Brisbane Indian Times - January 2021

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Print Post Approved PP : 424022 1724 | ISSN 2652-6182

Volume 17, Number 5 Saturday, January 16th, 2021

As God is One, we respect all Religions

Telephone: (07) 3192 5188 Mobile: 0430 193 715 E-mail: sales@indiantimes.com.au

Queensland locked down for three days On Friday, 8th Jan ,the premier announced Greater Brisbane would enter a three-day lockdown after a cleaner at a quarantine hotel was diagnosed with the highly infectious mutant strain.

Authorities fear the cleaner, a woman aged in her 20s, had been infected and active in the community since January 2.

Greater Brisbane went into lockdown for three days, while contact tracers worked to ensure the UK variant of COVID-19 was not circulating in the community.

From 6pm, Friday, 8 January, until 6pm Monday 11 January people in the local government areas of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan will were required to stay at home except for the following reasons: • Shopping for essentials, food and necessary supplies • Medical or healthcare needs, including compassionate requirements • Exercise with no more than one other person, unless all from the same household • Providing care or assistance to an immediate family member • Work, or volunteering, or study if it is not reasonably practicable to work or learn remotely • Child custody arrangements • Legal obligations • Visit for end of life • Attend funeral or wedding in line with restrictions Masks will also need to be worn everywhere in those local government areas except if people are at home.

Cafes, pubs and restaurants will be open only for takeaway and delivery services.

Funerals will be restricted to 20 people and weddings to 10, including the celebrant and two witnesses.

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All essential businesses remain open.

If you need to leave Greater Brisbane for an essential purpose, such as to work, to return home or to access healthcare, you should limit your movements for those three days wherever you go.

We're also asking anyone who was in Greater Brisbane on or since 2 January,

to follow the same lockdown rules where they are now. Only leave your home for the essential reasons and wear a mask.

Get tested If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 1

Inside

• Local News ..................................4-28 • Real Estate ..................................... 30 • India News ..................................... 34 • Fiji News ......................................... 36 • Entertainment .............................. 38 • Health & Well Being .................... 40 • Astrology ........................................ 42 • Business Directory/Classified ... 43 • Sports News ................................... 44

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh Chandra OAM & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Charita Deshpande (Sales and Marketing Manager) 0430 193 715, sales@indiantimes.com.au

From the Publisher Well here we are in 2021, not sure if this is the 2021, we were eagerly waiting for, the feeling was let’s get over with 2020 and everything will be fine, but here we find ourselves in a lockdown just 8 days after celebrating New Year. It was good to see that our Premier and Prime Minister were both in tune with this lock down safety measure. The timely action was warranted for and well received, Queenslanders have risen to the occasion and have vastly done the right thing.

Around this time, I am usually in India for PBD and GOPIO International convention, I am usually writing this late at night in a hotel room or on a flight, this time round I am writing from the comfort of my office during lockdown. The PBD, we attended virtually which we restreamed via our face book live segment. Our live segments via facebook and youtube has its share of challenges, as both streaming platforms keep shifting goalposts and redefining community standards, nevertheless it’s a learning curve and when you look at the forums on this topic, you know you are not alone, and others have the similar issues. The frustrating part is that there are many obvious violations of the so-called

JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) / Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) / Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) • ML. M. Nawaaz Ashram • Imam Muhammad Aslam • Pastor Joseph Dass • Haji Abdul Rahman Deen • Jitendra Deo • Nimisha Modi • Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Cartoon Corner: Merwyn Machado • Brian Sullivan (Photography) Address: PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018 Ph: (07) 3192 5188 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-mail: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months 6 months Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager.

Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply / approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers / correspondents responsibility.

While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned.

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2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

community standards that go unnoticed.

All the posts on Facebook and YouTube have a share and comment button, but if you share content in a new post you are violating community standards.

We launched a new program in our live segment called “Music Junction Live” whereby we will be featuring live singers, the launch program hosted my R J Savi, featuring Chandan Das and Manju Verma went very well, we will endeavour to keep the program running and encourage all artistes; accomplished and budding to take advantage of this platform. There are restriction on the backing tracks that can be used, by the way, these restrictions apply to any public performance, so if you are organising an event and you get a singer on karaoke unless that singer or you have the rights to the backing tracks you are in breach of the copyright law . Of course, in public venues policing becomes harder than social media platforms.

The livestream segment has attracted quite a few candidates for interviews, including Senator Paul Scarr, Councillor Angela Owen, Dr Snya Chadda, Shaurabh Cricket, Gaura Travel etc. The regular segments are Real Estate updates

with Usha Chandra of Globenet Realty Boondall, Travel updates with Tanvi Goel of AusIndia Travel, Migration ka Saffar with Suman Dua together with the daily news and weather with Dilraj Dhillon.

Advertising and media agencies have included us in their campaigns, which is very encouraging.

Australian Indian Radio presenters have all managed quite well in keeping their programs going during the pandemic, despite restricted access to the studio.

They have been presenting excellent radio shows and have touched on very topical issues which have received favourable comments from all around the Globe The other day I got asked if we still printed the newspaper , a valid question as some people found it hard to get hold of a hard copies , for you information we have printed right through the pandemic , and can proudly state that we have not missed printing any month since we launched, we remain the only publication in its category that has not changed its ownership structure , name or style. We remain the full colour tabloid that we set out to be, committed to serving Queensland multicultural community.

On the global scene, incidents in America have been very disturbing, scenes never seen before, raises a lot of questions, the American election process and the transfer of power needs overhaul. Donald Trump has not only lost his powerful position but also his Twitter account has been taken down. Fiji has had a massive cyclone and good see relief efforts undertaken by smaller organisations. Very little progress has been made towards resolving the farmers protest in Delhi. United Kingdom is finally out of the European Union and Brexit has finally happened. At the same time the Corona Virus variant a caused havoc and London had to go into lockdown.

Boris Johnson has cancelled his trip to India and understandably will be focusing on matters of public health at home. We are living in unprecedented times.

Finally, to the celebrations of 26th January first Australia Day – this will be taking quite a different look this year, the traditional citizenship ceremony followed backyard barbie may not be the theme of this year. Secondly Indian Republic Day, this begins with the flag raising ceremony at the consulate office and the evening program is usually organised

by FICQ at Sunpac . Few rotary clubs are getting together for BBQ. Hindu Society of Queensland and Vishnu Maya Mandir celebrate their anniversaries on 26th January. Vishnu Maya Mandir has decided to shift their anniversary celebration from the 26th to the closet Sunday to 26th, that arrangement will take place from 2022.

Finally, I would like to sincerely wish you all the very best for 2021, the beginning has not been very good hope the vaccine rollout is sooner than later, and that peace prevails all over the world Until next month, happy Reading —Umesh Chandra

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Domestic & Family Violence One of the side effects of COVID-19 has been the increased amount of Domestic and family Violence that many family members have experienced during this pandemic.

Domestic Violence can take many shapes or form in a family setting, and this may include violence towards you, your family, children, pets or personal property. Domestic Violence includes but is not limited to punching, kicking, hitting, choking, pushing, sexual assault, verbal and emotional abuse, controlling behaviour, stalking, financial abuse, forced isolation, deprivation from basic necessities or medical assistance and even technology facilitated abuse (online or offline).

If you are at the receiving end of Domestic Violence, then you must immediately seek help.

For any Emergencies its best to contact the police by dialling 000, otherwise you may contact a rage of service providers in your state or territory to seek assistance and guidance on how to deal with your own personal circumstances.

These providers include but are not limited to: 41800RESPECT.org.au (1800 737 732) - National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family violence Counselling Service 413 11 44 – Lifeline counselling and support services 41800 737 732 - Family Violence Law Help 4131 450 - Translating and Interpreting Service 43036 3800 – Migration Guru – To Seek Help with your Visa Status or Visa Related Matters

Information Related to Australian Partner Visa Holders If you are in Australia on a Temporary Partner Visa or Prospective Marriage Visa, and you have experienced family and domestic violence, you can apply for consideration under the family violence provisions. To meet the family violence provisions, the family and domestic violence must have occurred while the relationship with the sponsor existed and the relationship with the sponsor must have been genuine prior to it ending. Kindly note that people experiencing family violence will not have their visa cancelled if their relationship breaks down because of family or domestic violence, however this must be substantiated using judicial and non-judicial evidence.

Migration Guru can assist you in such matters and help you seek assistance from Department not to cancel your visa and let you remain in Australia. Readers must note that Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients, in various and complex circumstances, including arranged marriages and de facto applicants, and applicants effected by family violence.

Migration Guru has more than 80 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Solicitors.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 3

Impressive musical treats on offer in Sydney

By Rama Gaind

Oscar Wilde had the right idea when he said: “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being”.

With some COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, there’s also excitement in the air with opportunities presenting themselves for interstate travel. Now, why not turn your sights to entertainment so you can be happy. Go to the movies, listen to music or go to the theatre. Get more fun, laughter, pleasure and delight — and go to a show — a musical, in fact.

Turn the spotlight on Sydney as the time has never been better to take a playcation in Harbour City where there’s so much to see and do. Soak up the summer sun and dive into the city’s best beaches, cruise the harbour in search of the city’s underwater wonderland, wine and dine in some of the country’s finest venues and fill your days with nature, culture and adventure.

Among the melodic distractions on offer in Sydney are Frozen — The Musical which opened in December 2020 and Hamilton which begins its

Frozen — The Musical is playing at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney.

A spectacular view of the sparkling Sydney harbour as seen from the Royal Botanic Garden. season in March 2021.

Frozen — The Musical is playing at the Capitol Theatre. From the producers of Aladdin and The Lion King, Disney’s new hit musical is based on the Oscar-winning movie. It premiered with an all-star Australian cast, grand sets, gorgeous costumes and sensational special effects.

An inspiring tale of sisterhood and true love set in the icy kingdom of Arendelle, Frozen — The Musical features songs from the original film plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers.

The show is brought to the stage by Tony Awardwinning director Michael Grandage. The cast includes Courtney Monsma, who has previously appeared in Aladdin and Mamma Mia, as Anna. Jemma Rix, best known for her role as

Elphaba in Wicked, will play Elsa. Helpmann Awardwinner Matt Lee stars as Olaf.

It’s an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Harbour cruises While in Sydney, a scenic way to tour the city is on its shining harbour. With more than 50 years’ experience, Captain Cook Cruises can guide you in the right direction. Join a hop-on hop-off tour at your leisure or book a private dining or sightseeing cruise. Discover Sydney Harbour and its islands including Cockatoo Island, one of the World Heritage-listed Australian convict sites.

There is so much to explore of Sydney’s natural beauty: from the spectacular harbour to its impressive beaches and wide-open parklands to

The show is brought to the stage by Tony Award-winning director Michael Grandage. The cast includes Courtney Monsma, who has previously appeared in Aladdin and Mamma Mia, as Anna. Jemma Rix, best known for her role as Elphaba in Wicked, will play Elsa. Helpmann Award-winner Matt Lee stars as Olaf. native bushland. It’s the ideal destination for free, outdoor family fun. Get back to nature by visiting one of the many enchanting national parks and gardens.

The biggest is the Royal National Park.

Explore Sydney’s

The iconic Sydney Opera House forms the centrepiece of this stunning harbour view. coastline on foot by following one of the many guided walking trails around the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Catch a ferry from Circular Quay and do the Cremorne Point to Mosman Wharf walking track or the Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay walk in Sydney Harbour National Park.

Walking across the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge is an experience in itself. You can even walk around the iconic Sydney Opera House and see the architectural masterpiece from another angle. Next to the Sydney Opera House is

the Royal Botanic Garden, a green oasis with free-guided tours.

From the Royal Botanic Garden, walk up to the Art Gallery of NSW where there is free entry and free audio tours for kids. Entry to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in The Rocks is free too, as are parts of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Sydney Olympic Park has great family attractions and some are free.

Best of all, you won’t need your passport to holiday in one of the world’s greatest cities!

THIS IS 2021

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Dear reader, it is with much joy we bring to you the word of God. The year 2021 has been a challenging year for so many of us. With so much of social media and news media coverage of the Covid19, the lockdowns, social-distancing, face masks, sanitizers, quarantines, closed borders, job losses, business closers, vaccines plus the natural disasters, earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, and

so much more, we definitely want to move on from these.

For many people, it has been a year filled with challenges and sorrow like never seen before.

As we enter, into 2021, there will still be many challenges, times of joy, and peace with times of pain and suffering. For some people, it could mean another year of going through difficulties, trouble, and fear.

The important thing is not about the things we will go through in 2021 but how we go through them. We could go through it filled with anxiety, worry, and distress, or we can choose to go through it filled with faith, peace, and hope. What you could encounter in the year 2021 may surprise you, but it is not a surprise to God. But when you go through this year with a positive outlook, being strong, being courageous, having a great attitude, and a clear vision,

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

you will come to the end of 2021 better and not bitter.

In the scriptures, we read how God called Israel's children out of Egypt into the promised land. The promised land had its giantsized problems, so they had to face them and defeat them before moving in and taking up residence. So, God said to them, "Be strong.

Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because GOD, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." (Deuteronomy 7).

Here are 3 things God said to them.

1) "Your, God Who is among you is a great and awesome God." No matter what you could face this year, remember that your God is more powerful and stronger than any opposition and force coming

against you. The forces that are for you far outnumber those which are coming to push you. Always remember that as a believer in Christ, you never walk alone; God is with you.

2) "God will drive out those nations before you."

God's promise for you is that He will go before you in 2021. He will do things for you that you could not do for yourself. But you have, to do your part. Show up to the fight with humility and the right attitude. God has not led you this far to see you lose and be defeated.

God sees your faith and endurance. The enemy may have been laughing at you, seeing you be defeated again and again, but little does he know that you have been standing in faith, trusting God, and getting closer to your victory.

3) "Little by little, you will overcome your opposition." Whether it is

conquering your "Promised Land" or overcoming your character flows, you can't do it all at once. God works with you in one area after another. Life is not one big battle, but a series of small daily victories required to defeat your spiritual growth enemies. This year again, you will go through times of pain and struggle.

But understand something that you don't have to fight all your battles alone. God promises to be with you.

Trust Him and His ways.

Be at peace and be patient.

Invite God into your pain and difficulties. He will not only bring you out of these situations, but He will grow you, making you stronger, healthier, and better. There will be more pandemics, earthquakes, hurricanes, famines, but the good news is God is fully aware of these, and He has power over these.

Do not activate the enemy

through fear; activate God's power in your life through faith. The pandemic, forces of evil, natural disasters do not have the final say; God does.

Let us pray Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me to make it through this challenging year. Thank you that you've carried me through the uncertainty of deep waters, through the flames of trials, and the pain of severe losses. I am always aware of how much I need you, your grace, strength, and power to work through even the most challenging days. Thank you again for being with me as I go through this year of 2021. In Jesus name! Amen.

God bless you and your family.

Happy and blessed New Year!

Pastor Joseph Dass josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 5

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Attaining Fulfillment — Sadhguru, Isha Foundation Fulfillment is not attained by some action.

In every stage of your life you thought, “If this happens, my life will become complete.” This thought may have come up within you. When you were a child you thought, “If I get this toy, my life will be complete.” You got that, but after three days you took it and threw it into the dustbin. Life did not attain fulfillment.

When you were in school you thought that if you passed your examination, life would be complete.

That happened, and still nothing happened.

Then you thought that if you complete your education, your life would be complete. That too happened. Now you thought, what is the use of all this education if you are not able to stand on your own two feet? That happened. After three months you began to think, what is the use of working like a donkey?

If you get married to that man or woman who is in your heart, your life would become complete.

That happened and then you know what happened!

Whatever action you may have performed, life has not attained any fulfillment.

Fulfillment will not come because

Only if your inner nature is complete, your life will attain fulfillment. If, within you, your inner nature has attained fulfillment, there will be no need for action.

If the external situation demands some action, you can do it joyously. If it is not needed, you can simply sit with eyes closed.

of some action that you perform. Please see, why have you been performing one action after another?

It is towards fulfillment.

People who perform action in excess, when you ask them why they are doing all that they are doing, they answer, ‘What to do? Food, wife, kids - who

Whatever action you may have performed, life has not attained any fulfillment.

Fulfillment will not come because of some action that you perform. Please see, why have you been performing one action after another?

It is towards fulfillment.

People who perform action in excess, when you ask them why they are doing all that they are doing, they answer, ‘What to do? Food, wife, kids - who will take care of them?

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

will take care of them?’

The truth is, even if you fulfill all his needs, this person cannot sit quietly for even a day. He cannot even sit for three hours!

He has to do something.

This is because your inner nature has not attained fulfillment and you are trying to do it through actions. Your actions are not happening for your food or comforts; they are

all happening in search of fulfillment. Whether this has happened with or without awareness, the actions indicate the search for unboundedness.

Only if your inner nature is complete, your life will attain fulfillment.

If, within you, your inner nature has attained fulfillment, there will be no need for action.

If the external situation

demands some action, you can do it joyously.

If it is not needed, you can simply sit with eyes closed. When a person has reached a state where there is no need to perform any action, we can say that the person has become unbounded.

That does not mean that this person does not do any work at all.

If the external situation

demands it, he can work for twenty-four hours.

But action is not needed for his inner nature. He is not bound to action. He is the same, even without action.

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.

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Queensland locked down for three days CONTD. FROM PG 1 List of restrictions The full list of restrictions include: • No more than two visitors to the household per day (in addition to anyone else currently staying in the household), excluding care workers or volunteers • All businesses that can remain open must adhere to social (physical) distancing and continue operating under a COVID Safe or Industry Plan • Restaurants and cafes to provide takeaway and delivery services only • Cinemas, entertainment and recreation venues, gyms etc to close • Places of worship to close • Weddings involve a maximum of 10 people, including the celebrant and witnesses • Funerals involve a maximum of 20 people • Mandatory mask wearing anywhere outside of your home • No visitors to aged care facilities, hospitals, disability accommodation services or correctional facilities.

Queensland has recorded no new cases of

COVID-19 overnight as the state continues the battle to contain the more transmissible UK variant of the virus.

“Very good news overnight.

We have had zero new cases. So congratulations, everyone,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters on Saturday.

“Of course, we are monitoring the situation very closely over the next two days.”

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young, however,

said the state had been notified by Victorian authorities late on Friday that a confirmed case had relocated to the state after also testing positive for the UK variant.

The woman arrived in Victoria from the United Kingdom on December 26 and completed hotel quarantine before she flew to Brisbane on Jetstar flight JQ570 at 11pm on January 5.

She was tested in Queensland on Friday and returned another positive

“The risk is extremely low because she is right at the end of her potential infectious period, and with a normal variant, we would not be at all concerned,” Dr Young said.

result - but Dr Young said the risk is “extremely low”.

“The risk is extremely low because she is right at the end of her potential infectious period, and with a normal variant, we would not be at all concerned,” Dr Young said.

The woman is now in isolation at home with her parents at Maleny on the Sunshine Coast.

Residents in the council areas of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Redlands must stay at home until 6pm on Monday,

except for essential work, exercise, essential shopping and to access healthcare or to look after the vulnerable.

The three-day lockdown prompted panic buying on Friday as massive crowds flocked to supermarkets stripping shelves of toiletries, perishables and canned goods with lines stretching for hundreds of metres at some stores.

Masks also will be mandatory for people leaving home aside from children under 12 for the first time in Queensland.

Naye Varsh Ki Subh Kamnayen. Blessings for New Year – 2021 Yeh Varsh Apke Liye Mangalmay Ho! Param Pujya Dharam Guru Acharia Pt.Tripathi Ji.

86 Scott Lane, North Maclean /www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au. 0481238360

A great Scholar of Indian Mythology and Philosophy of Hindu Religion.

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir Every year we receive something new and repeat something old but year 2020 brought an extremely dangerous gift in the form of COVID-19, all over the world. According to Astrology, nature will bring gift to the animals, birds, flies, water living creatures and even vegetables, trees, ausadhies and vanaspatis etc. It is the law of nature. I think it is now in the form of making a balance within three years (2020 to 2022), in the shape of heavy rain, drought, tidal waves, storms, floods, earthquakes, tsunami, jungle fire, atomic energy on the earth or in the antriksh (Space), countries clashing amongst one another with dangerous weapons, very heavy powerful cameras up to the planets, Arctic, North, and South Poles. After all, according to our religious faith only “Superpower, GOD” can control everything. But we should realise and must obey the rules of nature. God has provided us knowledge to understand this philosophy of nature with our soul, mind, intelligence, wisdom etc. According to these qualities we can justify our works ourselves. But “Superpower” GOD has provided us with an exceptionally good path to walk on in this world. Life is very pretty and a wonderful gift from GOD. Life kisses us on both the cheeks day and night but laughs at our deed eve and dawn. The universal law composed by GOD is especially important in our lives. It is called “APDA”.

No body controls “Dayvi Apda” only GOD can do so. If you follow the rules of religion and reflect it on what you eat and drink or in your rest, work, yoga, and meditation etc, you can control yourselves to keep you healthy without any medicine. For example, go to the past life history of our Rishi, Muni, Yogi, Sanyasi, Deopurush, Tapaswi, Mahatma and other up lifted atmas and you can understand the meaning of Nature. To stay safe, you must be incredibly careful up to 2022. Change your lifestyle and encourage others to do so as well.

Be happy and flourish love and happiness onto others.

God Bless Everyone.

Ye Warsh Apke Liye Mangalmay Ho. Sarve Bhawantu Sukhinam.

Pundit Tripathi, Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir, Queensland 4280 8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

OUM SHRI GANESHAY NAMAHA

Pratham Bhog 2021 When: Tuesday, 26th January 2021 From 5:00pm Onwards Bhajans & Kirtans, Prawachan by Dharam Guru Pundit Tripathi Ji Some distinguished guests will be honoured as well.

Please join in this Pehla Bhog.

Food Sponsor $ 400.00 Pratham Bhog Sponsor $111.00 Contact: Bharat: Solanki 04111 31485, Rabean Singh: 04034 33379 Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046, Ranil Dayal: 04031 46575, Devika Maharaj 04248 91159, Narendra Singh: 04780 64876 Dhiru: 04062 13153 or The Temple 5548 6814 For secured online donation facility visit: www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au

Meditation Workshop by H.H. Shree Shivkrupanand Swamiji - Part 1 Year 2020 has been without a doubt one of the most difficult years that the human race around the world has had to face.

From being able to openly go anywhere in the world to being restricted to one’s home within a matter of days, exposed how fragile our collective mental health is. In order to improve mental health H.H. Shree Shivkrupanand Swamiji, founder of Samarpan Meditation have conducted regular meditation workshops online and free of cost all round the year.

In that spirit, to end 2020 on a positive note, an 8-day meditation workshop was organised online and free of cost. Thousands around the world attended the event and reaped the benefits of the teachings of Swamiji.

Swamiji started the workshop by explaining that there is a misconception prevalent in the society that Yoga means only Yoga Asanas. Yoga consists of 8 steps and Asanas is only the third step of the journey. The main purpose of Yoga is to connect one directly with Universal Consciousness.

One should practice Yoga without any expectations and when practiced regularly it will result in allround growth.

• Yama: Letting go of the bad habits.

• Niyama : Inculcating good habits and performing good deeds regularly.

Yoga Asana : Postures and exercises that allow us to prepare the body to sit into a meditative posture.

• Pranayama : Controlling thoughts by regulating the breath.

• Pratyahara : Learning to keep attention within.

• Dharana : Practice of concentrating on one thing.

Accepting Guru as a medium of Universal Consciousness.

• Dhyana : Meditation • Samadhi : Merging into Universal Consciousness.

For a person living in a society, it is difficult to practice complete Yoga regularly. This is where Samarpan Meditation comes in.

It’s not a meditation technique but it’s a value that a Guru instills in His disciples. Disciple can then grow this value by meditating for 30 minutes every day. By doing just this much, one automatically practices complete Yoga. It’s like taking a lift in a high rise as compared to climbing the stairs.

Swamiji explains that Samadhi is the state of Moksha (state of liberation) where one is free of all deeds (good or bad).

This can be achieved by practicing meditation for 30 minutes with the feeling of surrendering (Samarpan) to the Guru. Swamiji urges that everyone donate at least 30 minutes of their day to Him for meditation.

Swamiji further explains it can be difficult for most of Call: (07) 3192 5188

us to sit still for 30 minutes and it would feel like a punishment for us. He says when any teacher punishes us, although its for our own good it is natural to feel angry. Similarly, one should get angry with Swamiji, curse Him a lot, abuse Him a lot but all while sitting for meditation for 30 minutes.

This will allow one to gradually get into the habit of sitting still and eventually getting into a meditative state.

During the workshop, Swamiji taught us to look at the circumstances that life presents us with a positive perspective. For instance, He mentions that during this pandemic, society has faced a lot of negative consequences but there have been positives as well. Like it has taught us firstly, that our search for Universal Consciousness should be within and secondly, all humans are created equal and Nature

does not discriminate. Also, during the pandemic, most of us have concentrated on increasing the immunity of the body but 90 percent of all diseases are mentally related while only 10 percent is related to the physical body.

So in order to ensure that we are safe during these times, it is very important that we learn to meditate and start living in the present along with making sure that our immunity power increases.

Swamiji talks about the two levels of being, one is the physical level and another one is the soul level. He says that most of our lives are spent on a physical level where we are bothered with day to day problems. It is at this level where a human experiences all sorts of emotions and is affected by the outside world. Swamiji explains that meditation helps in transcending to Soul level where one is free from all bondage. It is a state of

inner bliss. Through regular practice meditation, once we learn to be on this level, we wont be affected by external circumstances that easily and even though we would still exist on a physical level, our attention simply wont go

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into things outside of us and thus allowing us to enjoy inner bliss.

This article will continue in the next edition of Brisbane Indian times.

But if you have missed the workshop, the videos of the

8 days workshop can be accessed by simply searching ‘Gurutattva’ on Youtube and look for ‘Mahashivir - 2020’ folder. If you would like to get in touch with us please email us at ​samarpanaus@ gmail.com​.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 9

India - A land of love, emotions & sentiments

By Dhaval Vyas, Vadodara, Gujarat

A Mother wh o gave sour medicine to her son, because she wanted him to recover soon, who let her son mov e miles apart thoug h the thought was tearing her apart ,she let him go as she wanted him to be happy an d successful, who hides h er agony in telling others that her son is in America.

Father who understands his son's a mbitions and the limitation and frustration he has to over come if in India, who would n ot let his voice reveal that says I’ll miss you son !, I love you but am unable to express the feeling.

A brother who would miss the brother hood, though it had ofte n been fights and not tal king terms, who cannot deny the fact that a brother is still a brother, a friend, Who expected you to understand him as he is, and when you didn’t it upset but moving mile s in distances has overloo ked all minute failures.

A sister who would not have her adoring one to escot her, to help her out of troublesome situations, who knows she has to send 'Rakhi' by post , who wishes he would turn up for her wedding, if not at least to fondle her baby that longs for a MAMA's love & affection.

A friend, who is left with mundane tasks, unable to exchange the chirpy jokes & comments, discuss various thoughts from family, friends, politics, & economics, who visits your home because

emotional security, who anxiously waits for his telephone calls and greeting cards to reassure her that you will be back as her man.

The girl who never confessed her love for you, the girl you knew cared for you, missing & waiting for a word from you. If only you would come back and say that to her, who hums the songs along with the radio, but the voice chokes and aches as she hears this song...

"Ramayya vastavayya, Ramayya vastavayya, Maine dil tujko diya, Maine dil tujko diya, uss desh mai, tere

he still remembers you not only on a day but everyday .who would jump with joy on receiving an air mail, who tries to keep himself free for all the days when his friend is coming back on a holiday.

The girl next door, who didn’t know if she had to rejoice or not when she overheard that the boy next door is moving away, who silently takes it that he has a career and would wish for his best from afar, bids goodbye with a tear in her eye.

The girl who smiled at

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

you across the bus-stop and suddenly finds you no longer there, who changes her route only to avoid the void which seems at the same bus-stop she had been once smiling.

The girl who got married to her parents choice ,unable to understand why she is being sent to a far off land, waiting for her man to send VISA papers, bearing the nagging question of neighbours and relatives asking when are you leaving India.

The girl who got engaged and is waiting for him to come back and tie the wedding knot , a social and

pardesh mai , sone chandi ke badle mai bikthe hai dil, iss gavoon mai dard ke chavon mai , pyar ke naam par hi dhadak the hai dil... tu na aaye tho kya ,bhool jaye tho kya, pyar karke bhulana na aaya hame, vahi se door se, tu bhi ye kehde kabhi, maine dil tuj ko diya ......"

Whatever our roles, it is only to say that we still love and care for you, wherever you are, you are still dear to us.

We don’t know what you have to go through, we only know we have love & wishes to give for you.

You might have learnt or the circumstances might have taught you to handle

A brother who would miss the brotherhood, though it had often been fights and not talking terms, who cannot deny the fact that a brother is still a brother, a friend, Who expected you to understand him as he is, and when you didn’t it upset but moving miles in distances has overlooked all minute failures. emotions and that time and work are more important than feelings and their expressions but we are still in India and are still the same, waiting and wishing for those who moved away from India, INDIA - a land of love, emotion & sentiments.... our wishes are ever with you....

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 11

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland

Patron Re’t Justice Pandit Devendra Pathik “Arya Ratn”

Trustee Mr. Sukarm Pal Singh

Trustee Mr. Mul Chand

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

ईश्वर को कभी न छोड़ें । वही आपका अनादि काल से अनंत काल तक, अच्छी या बुरी प्रत्येक परिस्थिति में साथ दे ने वाला, सच्चा मित्र है । जीवन में कभी सुख आता है , कभी दख ु आता है । कभी लाभ होता है , कभी हानि होती है । कभी कोई व्यक्ति सहयोग दे ता है , तो कोई विरोध करता है । कभी व्यक्ति स्वस्थ होता है , तो कभी रोगी भी हो जाता है इत्यादि अनेक ऊंची नीची परिस्थितियां जीवन में आती रहती हैं । जब अच्छी अनुकूल सुखदायक परिस्थितियां होती हैं , तब तो व्यक्ति प्रसन्न रहता है । उसे किसी प्रकार की कोई चिंता तनाव टें शन नहीं होती। परं तु जब प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियाँ आती हैं , तब वह दख ु ी चिंतित परे शान एवं तनाव युक्त हो जाता है । तब अपनी समस्याओं को सुलझाने के लिए वह सांसारिक उपाय ढू ँ ढता है । अपने मित्रों साथियों से निवेदन करता है कि मैं मुसीबत में हूं, मेरी सहायता करें । मेरी समस्याएं हल करें । मेरे दख ु ों को दरू करें ।

ईश्वर हमारा सच्चा मित्र

ऐसी प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में परिवार एवं समाज के लोग भी उसकी मदद करते हैं । रोगी होने पर चिकित्सक डॉक्टर आदि भी उसकी सहायता करते हैं । परं तु इन सब की एक सीमा है । ये सब लोग अल्पज्ञ एवं अल्पसामर्थ्य वाले हैं । इनका सामर्थ्य सीमित होने से, सारी समस्याओं को ये लोग दरू नहीं कर पाते।

जब व्यक्ति चारों ओर से समस्याओं से घिर जाता है । सांसारिक सहारे काम नहीं आते, समस्याएँ हल नहीं हो पातीं। तब अंत में उसे ईश्वर याद आता है । तब वह ईश्वर की शरण लेता है , और प्रार्थना करता है कि "हे भगवन ! अब तो आप ही मेरे रक्षक हैं । अब सारे सहारे फीके पड़ गए हैं । कोई भी मेरी समस्या को हल नहीं कर पा रहा है । मैं रोगी हो गया हूं। चिकित्सकों डॉक्टरों ने भी हाथ ऊंचे कर दिए हैं । वे भी यही कह रहे हैं , कि "हमारे वश में अब कुछ नहीं है । अब तो भगवान ही मालिक है ।" इसलिए भगवन! मैं अंत में आप की शरण में आया हूं। अब आप ही मेरी रक्षा करें । मेरे सब दख ु ों को दरू करें ।* इस प्रकार से हम दे खते हैं , कि अंतिम शरण तो ईश्वर ही है । कैसी भी खराब परिस्थिति हो, व्यक्ति अंत में ईश्वर के पास ही जाता है । यदि सारे सहारे प्रभावहीन हो जाते हैं । तब केवल वही याद आता है । तो क्यों न सारे जीवन, ऐसे उत्तम ईश्वर को अपना सहारा बना कर चलें, कि ऐसी मुसीबत

आए ही नहीं। और यदि हमारे आलस्य प्रमाद आदि अन्य दोषों के कारण से, कभी-कभार मुसीबत आ भी गई, तो ईश्वर की शक्ति हमारे साथ होने से, वह शीघ्र ही नष्ट हो जाएगी। इसलिए यही उत्तम मार्ग है , कि अपने नित्य मित्र ईश्वर को कभी न छोड़ें । वही हमारा तथा सब का रक्षक है । उसी पर सबसे अधिक विश्वास करें ।अन्यों का भी सहयोग लेवें, इस बात का निषेध नहीं है । परं तु सबसे अधिक विश्वास ईश्वर पर करें । अन्य सहारे कभी छूट भी जाएं, सहयोग न दें या कम सहयोग दे वें, अथवा वे सहारे असमर्थ हो जाएँ, हमारी समस्याओं को हल न कर पाएँ, तब भी चिंता न करें । ईश्वर तो नित्य सहारा है ही। अतः ईश्वर को कभी भी नहीं छोड़ना चाहिए। सदा ईश्वर के आदे श निर्दे श संदेश का पालन करना चाहिए। उसके विरुद्ध आचरण नहीं करना चाहिए। *ईश्वर के आदे श निर्दे श वेद के विरुद्ध आचरण करना ही, ईश्वर को छोड़ दे ना कहलाता है । - स्वामी विवेकानन्द परिव्राजक

President Dr. Sukhvir Singh

Secretary Mr. Hari Chand

TreasurerMrs. Suman Chand

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc members held a rewarding/gratifying Havan Yajna and a very fruitful / successful Annual General Meeting on Sunday 6/12/2020 at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre.

Members attended the AGM with great enthusiasm, confidence and positivity willing to work for the betterment of the Samaj and to do good to the world with righteousness, integrity, uprightness and fairness. Numerous matters of concerning the Samaj were deliberated during the meeting.

Patron of APSQ Retd Justice Pandit Devendra Pathik Ji and President Dr.Sukhvir Singh Ji both thanked all the members for their excellent contribution,teamwork, support and cooperation throughout the year and looked forward to members support, collaboration and participation in all future Samaj activities .

Office bearers/Executive Committee members for 2020-2021.

Patron- Ret’d Justice Pandit Devendra Pathik Arya Ratn OF , President- Dr.Sukhvir Singh.

Vice President- Mrs Sushila Pathik, Mr Arunesh Prasad, Mrs Nirmala Ray. General Secretary- Mr Hari Chand.

Assistant Secretary- Rajesh Chand.

Treasurer- Mrs Roslene Suman Chand.

Assistant Treasurer-Mr Dinesh Kumar.

Executive Committee Members- Mrs Kaushaliya Kumar, Mr Dick Sen, Mr Ajit Deshwal,Mrs Lakshmi Singh, Mr Sat Singh, Mrs Aruna Deo, Mr Bhupen Sharma, Mrs Sushila Sen and Mr Satish Chand.

Auditor-Mr Jitendra Kumar.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc assists victims of Tropical Cyclone Yasa in Fiji

Many islands of Fiji including Vanua Levu have been seriously affected by severe category five Cyclone Yasa ,one of the strongest, causing extensive damage and in some places has left the islands looking like a warzone and the residents have lost virtually everything.

Heartbreaking stories are being heard aftermath of the

devastation caused by the monster cyclone with winds so destructive and extensive flooding with homes,schools blown away, injuries,damage to agricultural farms, terrible damage of properties and loss of lives.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc officials have decided to lend a

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

helping hand to those harshly affected communities by the devastating Tropical Cyclone during the disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction process. Members of APSQ Inc and other supporters donated relief supplies and cash so that the distressed people can rebuild their lives. It was also very heartening to see tremendous

support from APSQ Inc members even during the holiday period regarding the donation of relief supplies and cash for those communities seriously affected,this terrific assistance from devoted members is very encouraging and really deeply appreciated. Samaj members also assisted with the packing and transport of the substantial

disaster relief collection.Unity is strength when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.Each of us as human beings has a responsibility to reach out to help our brothers and sisters affected by disasters and that is what the Samaj members did. The happiest people in life are the givers ,we

rise by lifting others.

At a Havan ceremony on Sunday 27/12/2020 special VEDIC mantras were recited, prayers were done to Almighty GOD, ahutis oblations given , heartwarming words of comfort were said for the Cyclone Yasa disaster victims and all those involved with disaster relief and postdisaster reconstruction process.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 13

Satyamev Jayate – Salute to India on BHARAT REPUBLIC DAY 2021

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, a reincarnation to rid India of past evils and restore the honour and dignity of India back to the land where it belongs.

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

"Satyamev Jayate" in English means: Truth Alone Triumphs. This is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture. Upon independence of India, it was adopted as the national motto of India. It is inscribed in Devanagari script at the base of the national emblem. The emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Asoka which was erected around 250 BC. The origin of the motto is a well-known mantra from the Mundaka Upanishad, which in English means: Truth alone triumphs.

The history of the Republic of India began on 26 January 1950. The country became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth on 15 August 1947. George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George) was King until the Republic was proclaimed in 1950.

India Independence day 2021 holds especially dear to Indian History, as India now has a leader who has started untangling the shackles India was since 1947 under very wanting and undeserving leadership of the Congress party.

Events in Kashmir and elsewhere, changing laws to grant rights to persecuted Indians overseas, changing

India Emblem of Satyamev Jayate laws to make all Indians to come under one law, and the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, among others, make 2020 historically a very significant BHARAT INDEPENDENCE (Gantrant) DAY on January 26 2021.

When we celebrate Janam Astmi, we pray to Lord Krishna in the Bari der bhayi nandlala… to ..pura kar de aaj vachan who Gita mein jo tuu ne diya… fulfill the promise you gave in Bhagavat Gita to come back to save BHARAT when goodness and compassion are under threat of evil people.

It appears you have listened…..and sent us SHRI NARENDRA MODI JI. Hope Indians can recognize Modi Ji and support him in quest to make BHARAT MATA (Mother India) proud and great - once again, despite all the politicking and protests.

While a version of this article has been published previously, it is appropriate to mark this Bharat Gantantra Divas – Republic Day of India

by revisiting those thoughts.

I take this opportunity to congratulate my ‘Grand Motherland’, India, which is the mother land and birth place of my late Girmitiya grandfather Bansi, from Rajasthan, India.

I am a third generation Fiji Indian, displaced from India when my grandfather was torn and tricked from his roots by British in 1915 to slave in Fiji to fill their coffers. With the benefit of hindsight, I thank God for this fate of destiny that I am now a Fiji Indian.

When the then Indian PM Indira Gandhi visited Fiji in1980s, she had good advice for the descendants of indentured Indian Labourers or girmitiyas as they are known there. She told us that Fiji was their country, they belonged there and they needed to have allegiance, loyalty and love for their country.

Very well said, Rahul Gandhi’s grandmother (Aaji).

However to what extent have the descendants of indentured labourers been made to feel as if Fiji was their home and they belonged there? At the drop of a hat, the nationalist elements got ready to ship us back to motherland India because

despite five generations and over 140 years, Fiji Indians were still regarded as vulagis or visitors in their parents and their place of birth. Thank God to Bainimarama that seemed to have changed slightly, with discrimination in Military, police and civil service still very rife today, despite cheers from Bainimarama.

The axis of evil that resulted in modified version of slavery, called indenture or Girmit ran from Britain, India and Australia. Indian government cannot wash its hands off its forgotten children in a land where they are still treated like second class citizens.

While free settlers and Gujarati businessmen give a semblance and façade of rich Fiji Indians, a large majority of descendants of Girmitiyas are still living below poverty level, and persecuted by past racist Fijian regimes. When this abuse of democracy was taking place, both Australia and New Zealand governments were sleeping, and have woken up now when Bainimarama had removed a supposedly democratic regime to implant a fairer system that is meant to delivers social justice and dignity to Fiji Indians.

India needs to pay more attention to its forgotten grandchildren in Fiji in providing transfer of technology, especially cottage industries which can thrive without need for much land so that descendants of Girmitiyas, Indians, who are landless, could stop serving indenture of poverty after five generations in a racist democracy that Australia and NZ wish to impose back on Fiji, but Bainimarama gave us some self-respect, dignity and sense of security.

I do realise that India itself

India flag carried by future leaders-youths of India. has to endure much because of its womanising first Prime Minister. Unfortunately, Nehru and Congress legacy has left India bereft of dignity and many things he promised over seven decades ago. For some seventy years after Independence, Congress leadership left a great deal to be desired.

Thank God for the Lion of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, who is seen as an incarnation who will rid India of the vices that have been nurtured by India's past corrupt and wanting leadership.

India needed a nationalist leadership movement that has been long overdue. It appears to be delivered now.

And that work shall continue under a credible leadership that took 70 years in coming. And we are proud that India today is in better hands than ever been so, under Narendra Modi. And shall we pray that he will be able to wrest back the dignity India once had. The economic development of the last 70 years has not trickled down to the common people. There is a lot more that needs to be done, where social justice needs to be delivered to ALL Indians.

And as we raise the Tiranga, the tricolour flag of India on its Republic Day, we pledge

to emulate the dreams of our freedom fighters who brought freedom to India and many committed and respectable heroes who outnumber many Nehrus and Gandhis, and who paved the path for an independent BHARAT long before them.

Nehru and Gandhi merely walked on the path paved by many unsung heroes and freedom fighters before them, some notable ones, among others being MANGAL PANDEY, BHAGAT SINGH, CHANDRA SHEKHAR AZAAD, SHIVARAM RAJGURU, SUKHDEV THAPAR, SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE and JHAANSI KI RANI who Indian history appear to have FORGOTTEN AND IGNORED. SHAT SHAT NAMANSALUTATIONS TO ALL PAST GREAT UNSUNG HEROES OF INDIA’s FIGHT FOR FREEDOM JAI HIND - BHARAT MAA KO PRANAAM [ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Thakur Ranjit Singh, based in Auckland, New Zealand, is a third generation Fiji Indian.

He was born in Fiji Islands.

His indentured grandfather, Bansi came as an indentured labourer to Fiji in 1915. Thakur is a media commentator and journalist who runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT. E-mail: thakurjifj@gmail.com ]

Pic source: missionventureministries.wordpress.com

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

(G) NEWS…2021 Jeremiah 29:7,11 New International Version (NIV)

(7) Seek peace and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace.’

(11) For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Dear Reader, WELCOME TO A GOOD YEAR 2021!

We are excited to bring you the Good News of a Great Joy. Our theme is simple and clear. It is to make God real and personal. And to present God as a Living and Loving Person; so you may understand His true character, nature and relate to Him personally.

Before we can welcome new year 2021, we must say goodbye to 2020. We have to close all the doors and windows of 2020. Doors and windows such as: guilt, shame, regret, pain, loss of loved ones and many other disap-pointments.

We can’t have a Happy and Blessed new year when we still keep

walking with brokenness mind of 2020. That is our past. We can’t change it or bring it back. So, first shut the door and lock it with a key of “Grace”.

Now using the same key “Grace”, now you are able to open the new door named as “2021”.

This door called as “2021” will lead you to many open windows. These windows are the new opportunities.

New way to rebuild, renew and refresh your dreams and visions.

The Key “Grace” is the secret to your future success. Jesus Christ is the “Grace” key of life.

Because of His unfailing Love and sacrifice; Here we find blessings of divine exchange of Christ:

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

He took away our Guilt and given us His Guiltless character.

Shame is taken away and G His Glory covers our heart and mind.

Regret is replaced with renewed opportunities.

O Pain is overcome by the Joy of the Lord.

Peace and Hope will follow D as you trust in the Lord Jesus.

The word of God teaches that God has an awesome plan and purpose for your life. There is absolutely no doubt about it. We don’t understand this amazing truth because we really don’t know God well. We have some con-cepts and ideas passed on by our traditions and religions. But, God wants us to know Him in personal and tangible way. Like a Father chid relation-ship and intimacy.

God is not an object or an image or an imagination of human mind.

God is a living and loving person. We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy Bible. Keep reading His Words with an open heart and humble spirit. You will encounter His awesome forgiveness, mercy and unfailing love.

It our hope that you will encounter your Creator today. You don’t need a thousand years for your Salvation (Mukti). You can receive your greatest miracle ‘Mukti’

today. This is the confidence you can have in Christ alone.

Only when we understand that we all have fallen short of God’s perfect standards; and for this reason, we no longer able to walk in perfect love for each other. We also need to know that God has provided a perfect solution for this condition of human soul. When we know that we are completely forgiven by a loving God, who alone knows all about life; then we no longer walk in shame or guilt. We walk in love for God and for each other. The es-sence of this message of Good News of Christ is that we have been given an invitation to reconcile to God. Sin can be described as living in independence from God and His plan for us. For this reason,

sin separates us from a loving relationship with our Creator.

But the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ alone can reconcile all mankind to a life style of peace and prosperity. God gave is only son as an atonement to pay the price of our sins. Our role is to repent and return to God to be reconciled and restored to a hope filled life.

Prophet Jeremiah, told the people of Israel to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they were carried into exile. We may have not come to this city in exile but by our choice. But we have God given responsibility to seek the welfare of this City and Nation of Australia. We must promote peace, justice and love.

When we learn seek peace by God’s grace, we will understand the

plan God has for us. His plan for you and your family is to give you sure peace and prosperity. His plan is to give you hope and a good year 2021. But you a choice and role to play in making 2021 as a good year. This is your year of learning to walk in peace and prosperity. The resolution is simple and clear; to be reconciled to your Creator.

Therefore, we invite you to pray this following prayer with a sincere heart; and experience the sweet aroma of Christ in your life.

Do not harden your heart like our forefathers, but humble yourself to your Creator and make Him your Saviour and Lord.

Please Pray, “Dear Father God, Today I thank you for your word that has touched my heart.

I choose to re-pent of my wrongs and I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and I be-lieve in my heart that Jesus died for my sins, God raised Jesus from the dead for my Mukti (Salvation). Now help me to know Jesus and His sweet fragrance more and more so that I can grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy. Teach me your ways so that I can be person who will learn to honour you and learn to love each other. In Jesus name I ask and pray, so be it (Amen).

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards-2021

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. PBSA is conferred by the Hon’ble President of India as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organization/institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad.

The 16th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was held virtually on 9th January 2021. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards were conferred by the Hon’ble President at the PBD Convention in the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations.

A Jury-cum-Awards Committee, with Hon’ble Vice-President as the Chairman and Hon’ble External Affairs Minister as the Vice-Chair and other distinguished members from various walks of life considered the nominations for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, 2021 and unanimously selected the awardees. The awardees represent the vibrant excellence achieved by our diaspora in various fields. Several countries have been represented for the first time among the awardees.

Dr. Mukesh Aghi, one of the awardees and President & CEO of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of the awardees.

The list of the awardees is as follows: 1

NGO Cultural Diversity for Peaceful Future

Armenia

Promoting Indian Culture

2

Dr. Rajani Chandra D’Mello

Azerbaijan

Medicine

3

Mr. Baburajan Vava Kalluparambil Gopalan

Bahrain

Community Service

4

Mrs. Jamal Ahmad

Botswana

Business

5

Mr. Janakiraman Ravikumar

Cameroon

Closer ties with India

6

H.E. Mr. Eugene Rhuggenaath

Curacao (The Netherlands)

Public Service

7

Mr. Debashish Chaudhuri

Czech Republic

Art and Culture

8

Mr. Mohammed Husein Hasanali Sardharwala

Ethiopia

Business

9

Sai Prema Foundation

Fiji

Community Service

10 Dr. Balasubramanian Ramani

Germany

Education

11 Mr. Lal Lokumal Chellaram

Hong Kong

Community Service

12 Dr. (Prof.) Muralidhar Miryala

Japan

Science & Technology

13 Mr. Rajib Shaw

Japan

Education

14 Mr. Salil Panigrahi

Maldives

Tourism

15 Dr. Ravi Prakash Singh

Mexico

Science & Technology

16 Hon. Ms. Priyanca Radhakrishnan

New Zealand

Public Service

17 Indian Cultural Association (ICA)

Nigeria

Community Service

18 Dr. Mohan Thomas Lazarus Pakalomattom

Qatar

Medicine

19 Mr. Jean Regis Ramsamy

Reunion (France)

Media & Community Service

20 Mr. Siddeek Ahmed

Saudi Arabia

Business

21 Dr. Anil Kumar Chotalal Mithani

Sudan

Medicine

22 H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi

Suriname

Public Service

23 Dr. Shachi Gurumayun

Switzerland

Bio-tech Agronomy

24 Mr. Vashdev Tikamdas Purswani

Thailand

Business

25 Mr. Resham Singh Sandhu

UK

Public Service

26 Mr. Arvind Phukan

USA

Environment Technology

27 Ms. Nilu Gupta

USA

Promoting Indian Culture

28 Federation of Indian Associations NY, NJ & CT

USA

Community Service

29 Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda

USA

Medicine

30 Dr. Mukesh Aghi

USA/ Singapore

Business

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 15

Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa Mohandas Gandhi had established his own legal practice in Rajkot.

Its performance was not encouraging. During this period, a Porbandar based partner of Dada Abdulla and Co., an Indian owned company in South Africa, offered him a job. The company had a court case that was pending from sometime. European legal professionals were handling the case. Gandhi was required to assist them. It was anticipated that his services would be needed for not more than a year. Gandhi realised that it would offer him good opportunity to gain valuable experience and to make some savings. He accepted the offer.

In April 1893, twentythree old Gandhi boarded a ship for South Africa leaving behind his wife and children in India. The ship arrived at Durban by May end. Sheth Abdulla, owner of the company received Gandhi at the port.

A few days after his arrival, Abdulla took him to see the Durban court.

Gandhi was wearing his turban. The magistrate asked him to remove the turban. Gandhi declined, as the turban was a symbol of his honour, and left the court. Next day Gandhi wrote to the press about the incident protesting the conduct of the magistrate.

Gandhi learnt from Abdulla about the condition of Indians residing there and also observed their mistreatment by authorities and general white population. Indians were addressed as Coolie or Sami in a derogatory sense.

The case for which Gandhi was hired was filed in a Pretoria court.

Gandhi left Durban for Pretoria by train in a first class compartment.

About 9pm, the train arrived at Maritzburg. A passenger came into the compartment and seeing Gandhi, left immediately.

He returned with the conductor, who asked Gandhi to move to a third class compartment.

Gandhi showed him his first class ticket and refused to move.

The conductor called the police who forcibly evicted him from the compartment and threw his luggage out. The train left without him.

It was a cold winter night.

Gandhi spent the night at the station shivering with cold as his warm clothes were in the luggage, which railway officials had collected and kept separately. He sent a telegram about the incident to the General Manager of the railway, who justified the conduct of the authorities. Next day evening, he caught a train that brought him to Charlestown.

From Charlestown to Johannesburg he had to travel by a stagecoach, as there was no connecting train between them. The coach conductor did not allow Gandhi to sit inside the coach, to which he was entitled. The conductor himself sat inside the coach and forced Gandhi to sit next to the driver, outside. After some time, the conductor wanted to smoke. He came out and wished to sit where Gandhi was sitting. He asked Gandhi to sit at the footboard of the driver.

Gandhi felt it intolerable and objected. He told the conductor that he should have been offered a seat inside the coach, but was forced by him to sit near the driver. He would not vacate the current seat but was prepared to sit inside.

The conductor physically attacked Gandhi and tried to push him down from the coach. Some other passengers who felt pity for his condition told the conductor to leave him alone. The conductor left him, but threatened to punish. Gandhi arrived at Standerton, where the coach stopped for the night.

Gandhi wrote a letter to the agent of the coach company detailing what had happened to him during the trip.

The agent did reply and assured him for his safe onward journey.

Next day Gandhi continued his journey in another coach and arrived safely at Johannesburg.

From Johannesburg to Pretoria, Gandhi travelled by train in the first class. During this trip, a guard came to check his ticket and signalled him to move to a third class compartment.

Gandhi showed him his first class ticket but the guard was mulish. An Englishman, who was travelling in the same compartment intervened and told the conductor not to harass the innocent passenger. The guard left the compartment cursing them both. Gandhi arrived at Pretoria in the evening.

Next morning Gandhi met Mr Baker, the attorney of Sheth Abdulla. Baker familiarised him with the case. Baker was a staunch Christian. He introduced Gandhi to other Christian friends including Mr Coates.

Christian friends endeavoured to convert Gandhi to Christianity.

However, he did not agree with some of its tenets.

He read books on major religions and discerned varying degree of pros and cons in all religions.

He found his own religion more stimulating.

Coates was friendly to Gandhi and used to go on walks with him. A permit was required for Indians to walk on the footpaths.

Gandhi had obtained

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

such a pass. Once he was walking alone on the footpath. A guard on duty nearby saw him and attacked him for walking on the footpath, without even asking for the permit.

At that moment Coates was passing through the street. He interfered and saved Gandhi from severe injury. He suggested to Gandhi that he sue the guard and offered to be a witness, however Gandhi did not take any further action on this matter.

Gandhi desired to study the condition of Indians in Pretoria.

He called a meeting of Indians with the help of prominent members of the community. He delivered his first public speech addressing issues relating to Indian settlers.

His speech focussed on observing truthfulness in business, cultivating sanitary habits in daily life and forgetting difference among various groups.

These attributes were required to gain justice and fair treatment. He suggested the formation of an association that could make representations to authorities.

Gandhi was required to assist the barristers fighting the case in the court for Sheth Abdulla.

He familiarised himself with all the nuances and prepared briefings. He realised that facts were in favour of Abdulla but the court case could prolong and financially ruin both parties. He believed that an out of court settlement would be the best outcome. He suggested the parties for arbitration to which they agreed. The case was settled out of court.

Gandhi returned to Durban to prepare for his return journey home.

During the farewell party he noticed a paragraph

in the local paper about a bill on Indian Franchise.

No one in the party was aware of it. The bill was against Indians’ interests.

If passed, it would have made their lives more miserable. Only Gandhi was capable of understanding the issues and taking any action. All present there requested him to delay his return and help them oppose the impending bill. So he postponed his journey and stayed to prepare petitions against the bill.

Gandhi prepared a submission against the bill with signatures of tens of thousands of people and sent it to the chairman of the legislative assembly.

He also submitted it to British minister for colonies and arranged for its distribution in India, South Africa and England.

The actions to oppose the bill created a new awareness among the Indian population.

When it became clear that Gandhi had to stay indefinitely, he applied for admission to work as an advocate of the Supreme Court.

The racially motivated Law Society opposed his application for admission. Ultimately the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court decided in favour of Gandhi and admitted him as an advocate.

Gandhi became a successful advocate in South Africa.

He preferred resolution of cases through arbitration, which was less expensive to clients. Despite this approach, his earnings were enough to maintain a high living standard.

On his advice, Natal Indian Congress was established in 1994 to fight discrimination against Indians. The same year Natal government decided to impose £25 personal

tax on indentured Indian labourers, who were helpless and were treated as slaves. Gandhi opposed it through Natal Indian Congress. It was reduced to £3, but it was unjustifiable.

Gandhi called it a cruel tax.

In mid 1896, Gandhi left for India to bring his family. In India, he travelled many places, and met political leaders and editors of leading newspapers. He made them aware of condition of Indians in South Africa. Gandhi returned to Durban with his family. On arrival, he was attacked by an angry mob.

Authorities suggested him to sue the attackers but he forgave them. His action made him utterly popular.

His struggles against injustice continued and in the process he came in close contact with people living in extremely poor conditions. He decided to reduce his expenses and live a more austere life. He started washing and ironing his own clothes. A white barber refused him a haircut so he began cutting his own hair. He switched over to uncooked food and started observing regular fasting as a method of self-purification.

In 1901, Gandhi decided to return permanently to India. His supporters agreed to let him go on a condition that he would come back if his presence became essential for their cause. Gandhi consented.

He returned to India with his family.

He travelled to many regions, met prominent leaders and finally tried to settle in India. At that stage, he received a telegram from South Africa requesting his immediate return.

The British minster for colonies was on tour there.

Gandhi was required to present Indians’ grievances to the minister.

True to his word, Gandhi returned to South Africa and presented a list of injustices against Indians to the minister.

Gandhi started his practice as a barrister in Johannesburg High Court.

He earned good money from his legal business.

He started publishing a magazine named Indian Opinion in 1904. He met Mr Polak, the deputy editor of a publication.

Polak gave Gandhi a book entitled ‘Unto This Last’ written by John Ruskin.

The book impressed Gandhi deeply.

Gandhi established a farm in 1904 at Phoenix near Durban. It became a settlement where people associated with the struggle against discrimination of the Indian community could live and work.

In August 1906, Transvaal government introduce an ordinance for all Indians to register

their name and always carry a permit with their name and thumbprint.

Gandhi objected to the ordinance but finally a compromise was reached with the government. The compromise infuriated some Indians. An annoyed Pathan follower of Gandhi attacked him causing serious injury. Gandhi refused to take action against the attacker and pardoned him.

The government reneged from fulfilling their part of the terms.

Gandhi called on his supporters to protest peacefully.

He called his method of actions Satyagrah, or Insistence on Truth. He organised collective burning of permits. He went to jail several times. He left the legal profession and devoted his time and energies to public causes.

In his personal life, he experimented in many areas, including food, medicine and selfcontrol. In 1906 he took a vow of Brahmacharya, abstention from sensual relationship.

Herman Kallenbach, an English farmer was impressed by the experience of living and working at Phoenix. He offered Gandhi a large farm near Johannesburg to establish a new colony for participants of Satyagraha. The colony, named Tolstoy Farm, was established in 1910.

During that period, a court in South Africa declared all Indian marriages illegal. Indians opposed this decision and intensified their Satyagrah.

Satyagrahis were arrested, tortured and jailed. Gandhi was pained by such treatment and vowed to walk barefoot, wear worker’s dress and eat only once a day as long as £3 personal tax was not removed and oppression did not end.

Gandhi led a march of over 6,000 mine workers in Natal in 1913. He was arrested and jailed.

In December 1913, Gandhi was released from jail but his Satyagrah continued.

Finally, an enquiry commission instituted to examine Indians’ grievances accepted their demands. Following the commission’s findings, The Indian Relief Bill was passed. It revoked the personal tax, recognised Indian marriages and removed the permit system for Indians.

In July 1914, Gandhi left South Africa for India via London. After staying in London for sometime he arrived in India on 9th January 1915. This date is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or the Non-Resident Indian Day to recognise the contribution of the overseas Indian community.

—Awadhesh Sharma

Kannada Sangha Queensland Silver Jubilee celebration

By Preetham Krishna

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together"Our Kannada Sangha Queensland is not an exception to that.

A commendable journey of 25 years is witnessed by the leadership of 16 eminent leaders along with their executive committee.

This year it’s Silver Jubilee for Kannada Sangha Queensland.

With great pleasure I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes on this Kannada Rajyotsava and Deepavali celebration by Kannada Sangha Queensland (KSQ). Kannada Sangha of Queensland Inc. (KSQ), is a not-for-profit Organisation incorporated under the Office of Fair Trading, Queensland.

It aims to promote and preserve ‘Kannada’, the language of Karnataka State through cultural and linguistic activities and thereby educate the younger generation of the rich culture and heritage of Karnataka State in Southern India. The region where the majority spoke Kannada became the state of Karnataka on 1st November 1956. This day is celebrated as “Kannada Rajyotsava”, translating to Festival of the Kannada State.

The people of Karnataka are called Kannadigas and Kannadigas are spread far and wide in the whole world consistently making Karnataka proud.

Along with the Kannada Rajyotsava, we are also celebrating Deepavali. The festival of lamps, Deepavali is an ancient tradition that is celebrated throughout Karnataka. The festival has been celebrated for ages and grows in fascination by each year. Everyone enjoys the goodies, the glitter and glamor, and the endless zest for living that suddenly grips people around this time. The victory of light over darkness is celebrated joyously all over the region. It is also considered to be a festival of wealth and prosperity.

This year though Covid-19 paved many challenges for us, we are fortunate enough to celebrate Rajyotsava and

Call: (07) 3192 5188

Deepavali Sambhrama amid the tough situation. We are honoured to celebrate the event this year.

Yet another feather in the cap is, KSQ an association to bring together Kannadigas in Queensland was formed in 1995 and this year we proudly celebrate 25 years of its founding. Bringing a community together, helping in difficult times, entertaining, making them feel part of the group is no easy task and year after year, the Executive Committee of KSQ has strenuously worked towards this. On this important occasion, each and every member associated with KSQ deserves congratulations and a hearty thank you for making this journey possible.

Chief Guest • Councillor Fiona Cunningham, Chair for environment, park and sustainability and councillor of Coorparoo and the representative of The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner.

• Senator Paul Scarr, Senator for Queensland.

• Mr. P.S. Karthigeyan, Deputy High Commissioner and the Representative of High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Mr. Anumula Gitesh Sarma.

• Mr John-Paul Langbroek MP, Shadow Minister for

Seniors, Communities and Disability Services and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Representative of the Leader of Opposition Queensland Parliament, Mr. David Crisafulli MP • Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India in Brisbane

Dignitaries and invited Guests 1.

Mr Shyam Das, President of The Federation Of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ), 2. Mr Umesh Chandra OAM, Founding President of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Queensland chapter, Chairperson of Human rights council of GOPIO international, Chairperson of Business Council GOPIO Qld, People of Australia Ambassador, President of Queensland Multicultural Council, the multicultural advisor to the Mayor and Police Commissioner, 3. Dr. Ram MohanChairman & Publisher of India News, Adviser for The Federation Of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ), Ambassador for Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA), Chair for Queensland, 4. Mrs Usha Chandra- Past President of GOPIO Qld and Director of Chantex Pty Ltd.

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 17

Tulsi poojan Diwas was celebrated on 25th December by distributing free Tulsi plants, Food and clothes Food and clothes were distributed among nearly 800,000 poor families from Diwali to Tulsi Pujan

The content of this article is taken from the satsang of HH Sant Shri Asaram Ji Bapu. Pujya Bapu Ji had addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1993, that was 100 years after Swami Vivekananda addressed the same parliament in September 1893. To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu Ji initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu Ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi poojan on 25th December.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) spreads sattvic vibes in the atmosphere. If one sits in front of Tulsi and reads, contemplates or lights a lamp or does ‘Parikrama’ (circumambulation), it helps to

alleviate the passions of the ten sense organs, and one attains mental peace. Tulsi bestows longevity, health and strength.

One must keep at least 2-4 Tulsi plants in the house. If one plants Tulsi in the house, all the members of the house will remain disease free. The presence of the Tulsi plant also pleases Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Tulsi gives more oxygen which in turn creates vibes conductive to sadhna. The person eating Tulsi leaves will kindle a longing for God in his mind.

The glory of Tulsi worship “A man having devoutly worshipped the auspicious Tulsi with durvas, sacred rice grains, flowers, offerings of eatables, will obtain the fruit of worship (offered) to Lord Vishnu.”

(Padma Puran, Kriya Khanda: 24.29) What is the need for Tulsi Worship?

Around 75-100 years ago, every Hindu family had at least one Tulsi Plant in the house. The wholesome volatile oil present in the plant spreads around the house. After bathing members of the family would offer water to the Tulsi plant and eat the

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

leaves. Women would light-up an earthen lamp during sunset and worship Tulsi like a form of deity. This protected them from many diseases. Tulsi is the only plant in the world which spreads the medicinal oil present in it to the surrounding environment through wind. The blind followers of modernisation exiled Tulsi plants from their homes resulting in a manifold increase in diseases, squabbles and unrest.

Pujya Bapu Ji, an occasion of compassion could not bear to see this agony of human society.

So Pujya Shri propagated the glory and utility of Tulsi to the masses over the past 50 years explaining the greatness of Tulsi.

He mentioned the greatness of Tulsi as mentioned in our scriptures, tested remedies and utility to society.

Considering the need of the hour, Pujya Bapu Ji initiated also the tradition of celebrating Tulsi Poojan Diwas on 25th December.

The campaign gained giant proportions Due to the launch of the

campaign of Tulsi Poojan, the society has started to recognise the glory and the utility of Tulsi which had started to disappear from in the backyards in the villages.

Now after the campaign Tulsi plants have started appearing again even in the skyscrapers.

The change is visible in the society. “Tulsi Worship Day” is being celebrated across the globe with a great enthusiasm and spirit.

Many famous personalities have started to support Tusli poojan campaign through social media, particularly twitter. Many doctors, thinkers etc. have started singing the glory of the Tulsi. The media has also started giving coverage and started spreading awareness regarding the importance of Tulsi Worship day.

To listen 24X7 live divine

Satsang of Pujya Bapu Ji, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www.ashram. org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu Ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane.

To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu Ji, please watch this video. https://bit.ly/2uZvJuN For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine Rishi-Prasad in your mailbox in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@gmail. com or by WhatsApp/phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of Brisbane Indian Times.

AUSTRALIANS ONE AND FREE The Governor-General Hon David Hurley has agreed to the Commonwealth Government’s recommendation to make an amendment to Australia’s National Anthem, Advance Australia Fair.

The second line of Advance Australia Fair will change from ‘For we are young and free’ to ‘For we are one and free.”

The new Anthem will take effect from 1 January 2021.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the change was made for all Australians.

“During the past year we have showed once again

the indomitable spirit of Australians and the united effort that has always enabled us to prevail as a nation. It is time to ensure this great unity is reflected more fully in our national anthem,” the Prime Minister said.

“Also, while Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, our country’s story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect.”

“In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we ensure our National Anthem reflects this truth and shared

AUSTRALIA-INDIA WATER SECURITY INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

At the 4th World Water Summit in New Delhi, the Australian Government announced its contribution of $10 million to support cooperation between Australia and India on urban water security.

The Australia-India Water Security Initiative delivers on our commitment to strengthen water security cooperation under the auspices of the AustraliaIndia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, agreed by our respective leaders in June. It also reflects the high value Australia and India place on water security – the life blood of our communities, environments and economies.

Australia’s funding will support the exchange of the latest tools and technologies for safeguarding water supply to India’s fastest

growing cities, and will focus on wastewater treatment, recycling and watersensitive city design.

The initiative will pair Australia’s expertise in water and urban design with Indian counterpart agencies and institutes – known as a “twinning arrangement” – to address the increasing challenges associated with providing water and sanitation to cities.

The partnership will create opportunities for Australia’s private sector to develop and implement world-leading water management systems.

This is another example of Australia and India’s commitment to an ambitious partnership, which is making a vital contribution to human health, environmental management and economic growth in both our countries.

appreciation.

“Changing “young and free” to “one and free” takes nothing away, but I believe it adds much.

“It recognises the distance we have travelled as a nation. It recognises that our national story is drawn from more than 300 national ancestries and language groups and we are the most successful multicultural nation on earth. It reaffirms our resolve as one of the world’s oldest democracies, while honouring the foundations upon which our nation has been built and the aspirations we share for the future,” the Prime

Advance Australia Fair was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878.

Prime Minister Bob Hawke last recommended a modification of the National Anthem to the GovernorGeneral in 1984.

In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair.

In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross We’ll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands; For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair.

In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.

NEW AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM Australians all let us rejoice, For we are one and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare;

NATIONAL CABINET The National Cabinet met to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and management of Australia’s borders in the context of the emergence of new variants.

National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions to the health and economic consequences of COVID-19.

The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the latest epidemiological data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.

There have been 28,571 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 909 people have died. There are now 41 people in hospital.

More than 11.8 million tests have been undertaken in Australia.

Australia has done well on both the health and economic fronts compared to most countries around the world. National Cabinet noted the significant increase in COVID-19 cases in many countries and the comparative strength of Australia’s effort in addressing COVID compared to most other developed economies. Globally there have been over 87 million cases and sadly over 1.8 million deaths, with 925,628 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.

National Cabinet discussed the management of emerging COVID-19 variants and agreed to a range of measures to further mitigate the risk to Australians.

National Cabinet reaffirmed commitment to the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth, states and territories in rolling out COVID-19 vaccination.

National Cabinet will meet fortnightly, or more frequently if required.

Management of COVID-19 Variants and Brisbane Case Professor Kelly briefed National Cabinet on the emergence of new variants of COVID-19. New variants

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Minister said.

The Prime Minister said the past year had highlighted the strength of all Australians in staying together and supporting each other.

“We are making our own Australian way through this crisis, a way guided by our enduring principles and values and together, we have done so better than almost any other country in the world. Our unity has been critical to this achievement.

“One and free” is and must be the story of every Australian and it’s the way we truly Advance Australia Fair.”

have a clear higher transmissibility, are rapidly becoming the dominant virus in the UK and are now being seen in more than 30 countries across the world, including Australia where there have been 12 occurrences of the variant.

Additional measures to further mitigate risks of the spread of COVID-19, including new variants, arising from international and domestic air travel were agreed and outlined below.

National Cabinet was briefed on the current situation in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. National Cabinet welcomed the decision taken by the Queensland Government following the confirmation of a positive case of the new variant. In recognition of the increased risk of transmission, National Cabinet agreed to include the Local Government Areas of Brisbane, Logan, Moreton, Redlands and Ipswich as hot spots.

National Cabinet agreed that the national standard for any worker involved in quarantine arrangements (transport, cleaners etc) will be to have daily COVID-19 tests, with jurisdictions to work towards meeting this standard as soon as possible.

Domestic and International aviation measures National Cabinet agreed to additional measures to strengthen end-to-end protection of Australians from COVID-19, including new variants.

International passenger

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caps in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia will be temporarily halved from no later than 15 January 2021 to manage the flow of returning Australians and other travellers who have been potentially exposed to the new variants. Current international passenger caps in Victoria and South Australia and arrangements in the Northern Territory are considered manageable and will remain in place.

Arrangements on international passenger caps will be reviewed by National Cabinet in early February.

National Cabinet also adopted a number of recommendations from the AHPPC in relation to in-flight and in-airport measures.

For international travel: • Returning Australians and other travellers to Australia must return a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure. Exemptions will only be applied in extenuating circumstances, such as seasonal workers where there is limited access to testing.

• Air crew must take a COVID-19 test every 7 days or on arrival in Australia, continue to quarantine in dedicated quarantine facilities between international flights or for 14 days, and not reposition for an outgoing international flight unless they do so on a crew-only flight.

• All passengers and air crew must wear masks on flights and in airports.

• Airlines will continue to have appropriate infection prevention and control measures on board aircraft, including crew wearing personal protective equipment where appropriate.

For domestic travel: • All passengers, excluding children 12 and under or those with particular exemptions, and air crew must wear masks on flights and in airports.

These measures will also be applied to government facilitated commercial flights which already have in place strong mitigating measures for passengers and facilities.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update National Cabinet reaffirmed their commitment to the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine national roll-out strategy and agreed that heads of Departments of Health in all jurisdictions and the AHPPC will to develop a nationally consistent approach on the use of public health orders for the vaccine roll-out.

Additionally, to protect the most vulnerable, and based on normal vaccination practices, for public health reasons this work will include an assessment of any requirement for vaccinations for priority cohorts in critical and high risk sectors, such as aged care workers for example.

National Cabinet will consider this approach at their meeting in February 2021.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 19

ABC Accords reception to Australian MP

BY Nahian Aziz Aanchol On December 5th, the Australia-Bangladesh Culture in Brisbane (ABC) Inc. hosted event to warmly welcome the Hon’ble Michael Berkman MP for his successful re-election for Maiwar constituency.

The event was hosted by the newly elected Executive Committee of ABC Inc. at St Lucia Uniting Church Hall.

The president of ABC Inc. Dr. Syed Shams greeted the MP on behalf of the organization and the community for his huge success in the Queensland state election 2020. The MP also cordially welcomed the newly elected executive committee of the ABC Inc. The President introduced the committee of ABC Inc. consisting of the vice president- Ms Nahian Aziz Aanchol, secretary general- Ms. Nur Shibghat Mahbub, treasurerMs. Anika Ahmed, organizing secretary- Ms. Rezwana Jannath and cultural secretaryDr. Samanta Samajder, public relations secretaryMs. Suchana Sinha.

Many significant figures from both the Bangladeshi and Australian community as well as the Minister of the uniting church Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nolan were present there.

After greeting the audience, the Hon. MP

delivered a short speech, he praised the extremely diverse and enthusiastic EC of ABC for organizing such a wonderful interactive event. After his speech, the ABC President presented an overview of the prescheduled events for 2021 and how the organization can work as a bridge to the Australian and Bangladeshi community.

Treasurer Anika Ahmed elaborated the financial aspects of last year's event. Anika fostered the organization’s future plans and Michael’s cooperation with us as she is running the treasurer's position this year too. She also expected the assistance from local community leaders that can facilitate ABC’s future events.

Vice-President Nahian Aziz Aanchol acknowledged the Hon’ble MP and his associates on behalf of the community and appreciated Michael for all the support he provided to the organization last year. Nahian expressed her keenness to work for creating a positive social impact for both the communities through ABC. The church minister Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nolan started her speech thanking the ABC EC for organizing such highly inclusive event.

She shared her ideas by emphasizing the power of multiculturalism and

community engagement.

She shared the strategies she had taken and the experiences she obtained to be successful as a teacher by implementing these concepts while teaching high school children.

The respected senior members of the community notably- Professor Tapan Kumar Saha, Eng. AKM Shahinuzzaman, Dr Mohammad Alauddin joined the event and expressed their thankfulness to the organization that created a chance to share their opinions and ideas. A thorough discussion took place on a broad range of strategic plans that can be incorporated in ABC’s future activities.

This Brisbane-based notable organization has

a strong commitment to uphold our social values, custom and cultural heritage for our future generation. As a part of this commitment, they are working continuously to organize cultural events and activities that promote our rich Bengali culture in the Australian community.

To implement their mission and vision, the organization seeks continuous support and assistance from the community members which can create diversity in our community and social interaction among people from different cultural backgrounds.

At the end of the discussion session, the ABC team was delighted to present Michael with an honorary certificate for being a constant support

to our community and for being an integral part of the ABC Inc.’s organized events since its establishment.

The event came to an end with a high tea party organized by the ABC team.

The MP and his associates

enjoyed and praised the cultural display of the Bangladeshi foods and delicacy.

The attendees appreciated the Hon’ble MP for his presence and sharing his valuable thoughts with the community people.

COCAG 4th Annual Fund Raising Dinner 2020 Care One Care All Group (COCAG), is a registered charity organisation.

Since 2014, COCAG has provided support worth about $120,000 (Rs 60 lakh) helping destitute, homeless, orphan, widows, people affected by natural disasters like Bushfire, Drought and COVID 19 as well as supporting people from poor economic background to self-sustain.

On Sunday 13 December 2020, COCAG organised its 4th Annual Fund Raising Dinner at Madison Function Centre Dural to raise funds to further extend the important initiatives taken up by the organisation. An excited audience of nearly 300 people from different areas of Sydney attended this event with their families and friends. Councilor Reena Jethi (Deputy Mayor The Hills Council & Councilor Dr Moninderjit Singh (Blacktown Council) graced the charity event with their presence.

The stage managed by Australia’s best Punjabi MC and famous personality Mrs Harleen Sohana after a welcome speech

by Simar Sood.

Dr Parmjit Singh of the COCAG first thanked each and everyone who supported the organisation for the last 6 years either financially or as a volunteer. He said that we would not be able to do so without your generous support. He further said, “From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the team, I respect every step you took today to attend this event in such a big number beyond the capacity of the function hall.” He further said, “I do not have words to express my thanks particularly to the sponsors who made

generous donations to support the cause of helping the needy. It was a fun filled dinner night with many colorful dance performances, lucky draws, trivia, raffles, auction and other items. Team COCAG including the families of Sanjeev & Pooja Kapoor, Gurvinder & Rajwant Malik, Deepak & Manju Sood, Atul & Sona Sood, Harminder & Annu Pannu, Sony family, Gagan and Parmjit & Kanwal Benipal worked extremely hard to put the event together.

COCAG raised a total of over $70k on the dinner night with $40k contributed by our generous sponsors. Auction was the main attraction of the event, where about $17.7k was raised in a short time period of less than one hour. The excitement built by Harleen after auction resulted in further $13.3 raised by re-auction of a Cricket bat signed by Sydney Thunders team (kindly donated

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

by Crickter Gurinder Sandhu) and voluntary donations from so many generous individuals. It has been only possible with the team’s hard work and generous support from audience particularly sponsors.

Navjot and Pritam Benipal assisted in bringing several new sponsors to the event, however, a MASSIVE credit of the event goes to S Navtej Singh Basra, who worked extremely sincerely and brought in several sponsors to support the event. The whole family worked tirelessly with the team to make the event a success.

Amongst the fully packed function hall while thanking the audience, Dr Singh handed over the reigns & responsibility to organise the next event to Navtej.

Dr Singh on behalf of the COCAG team along with Harleen thanked all the sponsors. He further said, I am sure the Almighty God has noted down

your time spent and contribution made on the night and on an ongoing basis in HIS good books. He encouraged the audience to participate in future events, provide feedback and suggestions so that COCAG can improve in delivery of services.

You all are lovers of humanity and understand the pain of a needy or destitute. I am sure together we can make a difference.

To the audience, he said, “Your decision of attending the event, buying a ticket, making a voluntary contribution and buying an auction item is going to save lives and support several needy to self sustain in their lives.

Those individuals will always be thanking you for your support. It will certainly encourage them to help others when they become capable one day and pay back to the community”.

The auction items were kindly

donated by Australian Cricketer Gurinder Sandhu, Rajiv Batish, Kamil Khan, Harminder Singh, Benipal Family & Fone Works.

The event has been supported by Jarkhad Hockey.

The proud Platinum level sponsors of the event were Madison Function Centre, Jag Truck Training, Belmont Homes, Nanak Group Australia, Western Sydney Property Group & Basra Homes.

The Gold sponsors included Steel Frames & Trusses, Dhalla Automobiles, Deram Homes, Build Star, Elante Homes, Century 21 Stanhope Gardens, Waratah real estate, Developers NSW, United Homes, Patiala Homes, G Star Homes, Rai Brothers, Kebabchi, Fone Works, Ajit Constructions, Winning Smiles Dental Surgery and Century 21 Toongabbie.

Silver sponsors Exclusive Homes, JASH'N Indian Fashion

Design, HR Boutique, L J Hooker Seven Hills, Starr Partners Bella Vista, Minto Cellars, MIC Lawyers, HP Accountants, Billu’s @ Bella Vista, target Accontants, Tech Guru, GoMambo, Alaxia Group, Veritas Institute Australia and Singh Auto Pty Ltd. The Trivia & raffle sponsors include Dadi Ma Cookies, Hamilton Motel Quuenbeyan, Green Gables Dubbo, Stockman Motor Inn Narromine, Singh Auto Seven Hills, Kebabiya Norwest, Jaggi’s Indian Restaurant, Maya Da Dhaba and Fone Works.

Our media partners include Apna Friends Channel, PTC News, Friends World TV, Radio Haanji, Raabta Radio, Sikh Channel and Radio, Mela Geetan Da, Punjab Times and Punjab Herald.

Our advertising partners are Ash Designs, APA Advertising Printing Australia, The Sign Guru & The Ponds Photography.

SRI SELVA VINAYAKAR KOYIL (GANESHA TEMPLE) BRISBANE (South Maclean)

Newsletter 168-120

Thai/ Magha Month (mid-January 2021 to mid-February 2021) Festivals

Dear Sri Selva Vinayaka devotees, Hindu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) cordially invites you to Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane (South Maclean) for the Thai / Magha Month Festivals.

Sri AyyapaSwamy Makara Jyothy/ Thai Pongal Festivals on Thursday 14 January 2021 Chathurthi Viratham on Saturday 16 January 2021 Sri Lalitha Sahastranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 17 January 2021 Pirathosha Viratham on Tuesday 26 January 2020 & Tuesday 9 February 2021 Thai Poosam Festival on Thursday 28 January 2021 Full moon/ & Sathya Narayanar Poojai on Thursday 28 January 2021 Sankatahara Chathurthi on Monday 1 February 2021 Sri Vishnu Shasra Nama Stotram Chanting on 7 February 2021 Thai Amavasai/Abirami pattar thinam Thursday 11 February 2021 Visit Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar (Ganesha) Temple and get the Blessing of Lord Ganesha.

For further information please contact our Temple or the Secretary Mr: M.Surendra on Mobile-0407-753991

Temple Website: http://www.sriselvavinayakar.org Follow us on (click the icons): 4915-4923, Mt Lindesay Highway, South Maclean, Queensland-4280, Australia, Phone: +61 7 5547 7302

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 21

Arya Samaj Queensland

Jitendra Deo President ASQ

MORALITY Alfred Wallace, codiscover of the Theory of Evolution, writes in his book ‘Social Environment and Moral Progress’ — “In the earliest records which

have come down to us from the past, we find ample indications that the accepted standards of morality, and the conduct resulting from these were in no way inferior to those which prevail today, though in some aspects they did differ from ours.

The wonderful collection of hymns, known as Veda, is a vast system of religious teachings as pure and lofty as those of the finest portions of the Hebrew scriptures” We must admit that the mind which conceived and expressed in appropriate language such ideas as are everywhere present in these Vedic hymns, are in no way inferior to those of the best of our religious

teachers and poets to our Shakespeare, Milton and Tennyson.” Where is the scope for a social evolution, if the teachings of the Vedas which are decidedly the oldest books in the library of mankind are found to be as lofty and pure?

It is evident that the higher up towards the source of religion we push our enquiries, the purer, and the simpler do we come to find the Vedic conception of God; and as we come down the stream of time, the more corrupt and complex do we find it. The inevitable conclusion, therefore, is that the development of religious thought in India has been uniformly

downward, and not upward that of deterioration, and not of evolution. We are thus justified in concluding that these higher and purer conceptions of the Vedic Aryans were the results of a primitive divine Revelation.

WHY VEDA ALONE? VEDA means wit, wisdom and knowledge and truly Veda is a Samhita of wit, wisdom and knowledge. It is a multi-book of wisdom and knowledge, comprising the Book of Nature, the Book of Knowledge, the Book of Religion and the Book of Morals. Veda is the only book on earth which deals with ‘Para’ (esoteric or spiritual) as well as ‘Apara’ (exoteric or

worldly) sciences. But there are many other holy books which claim Divine origin for themselves.

How should we know which of them is really divinely revealed? True, but it is not difficult to determine it after we apply the essential tests.

1. The Supreme knowledge emanates from the same Lord as is the creator of the universe and to whom we give our physical existence in this life and the lives to come.

Therefore, there should be no contradiction between what we read in the texts and what we observe in the universe.

For example the word cow is in the Ved and it’s a particular animal known by that name

in the world. Commenting on it, James Hastings, in his Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics says — “Dayanand tried to make the Book of God resemble the Book of Nature.”

2. God is holy, formless, all-pervading, all-knowing, all-powerful, just, benevolent and never subject to birth and death. The book, that describes its author exactly as he is, shall be accepted as divinely’ revealed.

(Continued in next issue) Please contact President: Jitendra Deo 3273 3029 or Secretary: Sunil Dutt 5613 3410 for information on activities of Arya Samaj Queensland or log on: www. aryasamajqueensland.org/ Facebook Arya Samaj Qld

Greetings and best wishes for 2021 Arya Samaj Queensland wishes all our readers a very blessed and happy 2021.

Arya Samaj Queensland continued with fortnightly Havan Satsangh and Virtual Ved Prachaar every month.

The Havan Satsangh is held at members place so we can get maximum benefit and essence of Havan Yaj. Havan Yaj is a scientific process and it

cleans the environment and also by performing Havan at home purifies the home environment. The Havan Yaj is also is held via ZOOM meeting where we are connecting with members all over the globe and livestreamed on Facebook.

The Livestream is very popular, and thousands of people join us and view the videos. This is making a very good impact on our

wider society.

The Virtual Ved Prachaar has been part of our monthly program where we invite Acharya’s from India and talk on specific topic.

Last three Ved Prachaar was full of information and we all learnt a lot. The Ved Prachaar is held via ZOOM meeting and livestreamed on Facebook.

Arya Samaj Queensland Inc has a website and all

the details of performing Havan is provided. The Havan mantra’s in Hindi and English , utensils and ingredients required has been uploaded on the Arya Samaj Queensland website www. aryasamajqueensland.org.

The files are downloadable and has full procedure for Dainik Yaj( Daily Havan Yaj). Our Facebook page Arya Samaj Queensland has

the video where the Havan is explained and performed to make it easier for people.

Please visit website and Facebook page for further details or you can contact me on 0411 798 012. We urge people to perform Yaj for their well-being.

We urge people to perform Havan if you can, do Yoga and meditation and look after yourselves.

You can visit www.yogguru.

com.au for information of Yoga and meditation. Please contact President: Jitendra Deo via phone:0411 798 012 or email: asq.president@ gmail.com and if you wish to join ZOOM Havan and Satsangh the session is for 60 minutes. You can send email or PM in the messenger (Arya Samaj Queensland) or we have WhatsApp group as well and I will send you the link.

Arya Samaj Qld Inc

We wish you all a very Blessed and Happy 2021 We highly appreciate your continued support and look forward to another exciting year.

Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ. Tat-savitur Vareñyaṃ. Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi. Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayāt

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

Australian IndiaN Radio Interviews

articles by staff reporter

Our live streaming segment has been very busy with many studio guests including Senator Paul Scarr, Councillor Angela Owen, many community leaders and other dignitaries. Many media agencies have recognised the channel as of significance and have sent many interviews our way. We do have challenges with the streaming platforms as they control the contents based on their definition of community standards, nevertheless we shall soldier on. Below are some of the interviews, there have been many more, the live streamed shows are rebroadcasted on Australian Indian Radio in the current affairs section. If you would like to be our studio guest, just contact us to tee up a convenient time. Our regular segments are weekly Real Estate Updates with Usha Chandra of Globenet Realty on Wednesdays, Weekly Travel Updates with Tanvi Goel of AusIndia Travel on Thursdays and Migration ka Saffar with Suman Dua on Fridays

Below are some of the interview pics 01 Ashwini Sonthalia of Gaura Travel – talks on chartered flights 02 Gaura Travel customer service department – providing information on personal service at the airport 03 Preetham Krishna, President of Kannada Sangha Queensland discussing their Rajyaotsava and Deepavali 2020 04 Pastor John Thomas delivering Christmas message 05 Pastor Joseph Das with his Christmas message 06 Saurabh Kumar of Saurabh Cricket Academy discussing the training progress 07 Sister Savita Singh with her Christmas message 08 Live singing in Pastor John Thomas’s segment 09 President of Rotary Club of Brisbane International – Sokoveti Niko discusses TC Yaasa

01 Ashwini Sonthalia of Gaura Travel

02 Gaura Travel customer service department

03 Preetham Krishna, President of Kannada Sangha Queensland

04 Pastor John Thomas

05 Pastor Joseph Das

06 Saurabh Kumar of Saurabh Cricket Academy

07 Sister Savita Singh

08 Live singing in Pastor John Thomas’s segment

09 Sokoveti Niko, President of Rotary Club of Brisbane International

Gumtree reveals Music Junction Live- on unwanted Christmas gifts line live show launched are worth $572 million In an exclusive interview with Australian Indian Radio, Gumtree Spokesperson, Eleni Gavalas, talked about the Gumtree Unwanted Gifts Report findings and how Aussies can cash in on their unwanted gifts this year.

Millions of Australians may be waking up with more than Christmas leftovers, as new research from Gumtree reveals over 19 million unwanted gifts were received last year, up 8% from the previous year.

The annual Gumtree Unwanted Gifts Report, found that over half (53%) of Australian adults received at least one unwanted Christmas gift, equating to $572 million of ‘unwanted’ Christmas spending. Clothes and accessories topped the list for unwanted gifts (20%), followed by beauty products (15%) and household items such as furniture, décor or homewares (10%).

For a third consecutive year, friends missed the mark

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on gifts, topping the list as the worst gift givers (31%), followed by parents (21%) and work colleagues (21%). For those who missed the mark this year, they may want to try gift vouchers next time as 22% of Aussies had this at the top of their Christmas wish list.

After getting caught up in the Christmas spirit, onein-five (17%) Aussies stated they felt broke and a further one-in-six (16%) regretted spending so much money on gifts. However, 2.3 million Aussies aren’t letting the post-holiday spending get

them down and are putting their unwanted gifts to good use by making some muchneeded cash. Those who sold their unwanted gifts, made an average of $81, with 18% making over $100.

Unfortunately, there are still over 2 million Australians (13%) who throw unwanted gifts in the bin where they can end up in landfill, which sadly is up 4% from last year.

Listing items on community marketplaces, such as Gumtree, is not only a way to make cash but also a way to avoid items going into landfill.

Chantex Multimedia Services launched an online live music show called “Music Junction Live”. The show encourages accomplished and budding artists to show case their talent via this platform.

The show will include live singers and musicians.

The idea is for locally produced programs, though some clips of previously recorded shows may be used.

The emphasis will be on the live shows with a presenter.

The songs can be prerecorded in the studio, the presenter will put together the order or genre of the songs included in the show.

The first Episode of Music Junction Live was launched on 31st December to farewell 2020 and welcome 2021. The show was hosted by R J Savi and the featured artist were Chandan Das and Manju Verma.

The show was appreciated by many and received in excess of 14K views at the time of going to press, being the first show there were few technical issues, but

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the overall quality greatly outweighed these minor problems.

Chantex Multimedia is inviting all artists who may be interested to contact them, full production and

recording support will be provided.

The plan is to run at least one program per month initially the frequency can be adjusted based upon response.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 23

Who, What, Where, When...

QMC AGM in progress from Left, Dr Asti Mardiasmo -Secretary, Umesh Chandra OAM – President, Ms Janeth Deen OAM – Vice president, Stanley Hsu- Treasurer, Irene Balydon- returning Officer

Peter Forday – Chief guest and keynote speaker at QMC AGM

QMC President Umesh Chandra OAM and GOPIO Qld president Rakesh Sharma presented donation cheques to Sokoveti Niko President of Rotary Club of Brisbane International for TC Yaasa

Ms Janeth Deen OAM – VP QMC presented certificate of appreciation to supporters, volunteers and sponsors

QMC committee surprised Umesh Chandra OAM with a birthday cake

Senator Paul Scarr presented a special framed Tee shirt signed by Sachin Tendulkar to Satish Rajendran founder of BSK onlooking is Councillor Angela Owen , and applauding is Mandeep Singh Lamba and Ayyapann Kaaliidos

The large gathering of supporters, players and their families at BSK annual Awards 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

Who, What, Where, When...

Kannada Sangha Queensland executive team (standing) with the row of special guests of honour (seated) at their annual Rajyotsava and Deepavali Sambrahma

All, ready for Kannada Sangha function

Delightful cultural items at KSQ function.

Members of Sai Prema Group Sorting and packing clothes etc

Umesh Chandra OAM and Mrs Usha Chandra with KSQ president Preetham Krishna.

Container sponsors, owners of Shop and Save Brisbane with members of Qld Sanatan at their centre.

Many hands make light work – volunteers at 550, Wembley Road the, collection centre for donated goods bound for Labasa, Fiji Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 25

GOPIO Gold Coast Charity Dinner Gold Gold is a progressive young Chapter of GOPIO International, the very active chapter has been organising some high-quality events and is making its presence felt within the multicultural community. They held the highly successful business networking function, followed by a charity function and have planned a celebration of Indian Republic day and Australia Day celebration in January.

Pradip Gorasia president of GOPIO Gold Coast reports “GOPIO GC organised the end of year charity dinner event for the year 2020 with a more than expected turn out of cross - cultural and vibrant crowd. This was held at the Randhawas Hope island with outstanding ambience and scrupulously delicious meals.

To highlight the event, we had Professional live duet singers that made the evening start on a positive and melodious note! Santa as the surprise guest and the generous raffle prizes took the evening to another level of joy and pleasure.

To top it all, all the proceeds were donated to the "Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth" amongst the presence of the President and the VP of the charity.

This symbolised gratitude and kindness in an unprecedented and unexpected world like todays. We hope to contribute and continue to provide similar events in the year 2021. Thank you to the honourable guests, our diners, singers and Randhawas for making the evening successful and memorable.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our major sponsor, Gaura Travels, and all of our raffle prize sponsors for their kind contribution.”

The event was well organised and managed, we wish GOPIO Gold Coast all the best in all of its endeavours.

Queensland Multicultural Council AGM and dinner Queensland Multicultural Council held it annual General meeting on 23rd December at Radio 4EB conference room, at 140 Main Street Kangaroo Point. In line with Office of Fair-Trading compliance the AGM had to take place by 31 December.

In the wake of COVID 19 Pandemic, and the everchanging restrictions on gathering, the AGM had to be pushed towards the end of the year. In accordance with their constitution QMC executive held their final executive meeting fifteen days before the AGM at the executive meeting all nominations were received, the audited financial report was approved by E.C to be presented to the AGM and the returning officer appointed.

The Formal part of the AGM did not take long as all issues were addressed at the final Executive meeting.

Irene Bayldon as the returning officer conducted the re-election process.

Annual reports were circulated to all present.

With formalities out of the way Peter Forday, the chief Guest was invited to deliver his keynote speech, his insightful speech was well received and there was a good interaction by the audience, his topic was Challenges and Awareness of Cultural Diversity Queensland Multicultural Council took this opportunity to award certificate of appreciation to sponsors and volunteers 26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

who helped with their highly successful and sold out annual dinner held at Sendok Garpu. Many multicultural community leaders were invited to the meeting. Queensland Multicultural Council usually holds fundraisers to assist with natural disasters, this time round they decided to donate funds directly to Rotary Club of Brisbane International.

Sokoveti Niko , president of Rotary Club of Brisbane International, as a guest of honour spoke on the Tropical Cyclone Yaasa in Fiji, she also received the two donations, first from Queensland Multicultural Council and from GOPIO Qld , Rakesh Sharma president of GOPIO Qld Presented the cheque.

Amar Khan , acting President of Islamic Council Of Qld Inc said “Always an honour to represent the

Islamic Council of Qld Inc at various events, and last night was so pleasing to catch up with some great friends from various multicultural communities at the QMC dinner and AGM. The AGM was very smoothly run and lead by Umesh Chandra OAM as QMC incumbent President, who was respectfully reelected unopposed for another term.

Also, it was so nice to be

handed a very well written and illustrated book 'The Arts Festival, personally signed by the co-authors Mr Edward Lin and Susan Yang.

Guest Speaker, Peter Forday Chairman, Multicultural Australia BoDs touched on the challenges and its awareness by the culturally diverse communities, and how to address them with care and respect.

Congratulations to the new EC of QMC.”

Kavita ji

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 27

Sadness, Worry and Anxiety and it’s solution

By Imam M.aslam All praise is due to Allah Ta'aala, the Cherisher and the sustainer of the world and peace and blessings be upon the final messenger prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wassalam.

Verily, in the remembrance of God the hearts find rest. (Quran 13:28) The average human being in the developed world battles sadness and worry on a daily basis.

While the majority of the world’s population confront extreme poverty, famine, conflict and despair those of us privileged to lead relatively easy lives must tackle fear, stress, and anxiety.

Why are those of us blessed with riches beyond compare immersed in loneliness and desperation? We are living in a time of confusion, we try as we might, yet gathering material possessions can do nothing to mend broken hearts, and shattered souls.

Now, more than at any other time in human kind’s history, stress, anxiety, and psychological problems are taking a tremendous toll on the human condition.

Religious beliefs should afford a sense of comfort however; it seems that 21st century man has lost the ability to connect to God. Pondering the meaning of life no longer overcomes a feeling of abandonment. This desire to acquire material possessions, which in some way validates our reason for being, has become the balm that soothes our troubled souls. Why is this so?

We have the best of everything readily available, yet the reality is we have nothing.

Nothing that comforts the soul. Beautiful furnishings do not hold our hand in the darkest night.

The latest entertainment centre does not wipe our tears or soothe our furrowed brow.

Those of us living with pain and grief, or afflicted with hardship feel abandoned.

We feel rudderless on an open sea.

Huge waves threaten to engulf us at any given moment.

Our desires and debts stand at the apex and loom over us, like great avenging angels, and we search for comfort in addictions and selfdestructive behaviour.

How do we step away from the precipice? In Islam, the answer is remarkably simple. We turn back to our Creator. God knows what is best for His creation. He has complete knowledge of the human psyche. He knows of the pain, the despair, and the sadness. God is whom we are reaching for in the darkness. When we put God back on our agenda, the pain will subside.

“Verily, in the remembrance of God the hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28) When we accept with full submission, that we are no more than slaves of God, put on this earth, to be tried, tested and tempted, life suddenly takes on a completely new meaning.

We recognize that God is the one constant in our lives

and we recognize that His promise is true. When we are overwhelmed by worry and sadness, relief comes from turning to God. If we live our lives according to His guidance, we gain the means and the ability to overcome any despair.

Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alahi wasallam declared that all the affairs of a believer are good.

Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.

Islam has the answer to all the problems that afflict humankind.

Islam reminds us that this life is but a transient pause on the way to life everlasting. The life of this world is but a fleeting moment, sometimes overflowing with moments of great joy and happiness but at other times filled with sadness, sorrow, and despair.

This is the nature of life, and this is the human condition.

Now we will examine guidance from the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alahi wasallam in an endeavor to discover just how Islam suggests that we deal with sadness and worry.

There are three key points that will allow the believer to free himself from the shackles of 21st century life.

They are patience, gratitude, and trust in God. In the Arabic language, sabr, shukr and tawwakul.

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones.”

(Quran 2:155) “Therefore, remember Me (God) and I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.” (Quran 2:152) “If God helps you, none

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in God (Alone) let believers put their trust.”

(Quran 3:160) Sadness and worry are part of the human condition.

Life is a series of moments.

At the two extremes are joyful moments that make our hearts sing with gladness and dark moments that plunge us into sadness and worry. In between is real life; the highs, the lows, the mundane and boring, the sweetness, and light. It is in these times that the believer must try to establish a connection to God. When the joy of life fills our hearts and minds we must not forget that it is a blessing from God and equally when we are faced with sadness and worry we must realize that this too is from God as a test, even though at first glance we may not see the blessing.

God is the Most Wise and the Most Just.

Whatever condition we find ourselves in, and no matter what we are forced to confront, it is imperative that we open our eyes to the fact that God knows what is good for us.

Though we shy away from facing our fears and worries, it may be that we hate a thing that is good for us and desire something that can only lead to ruin and damnation. “...and it may be that you dislike a thing that is good for you and that you like a thing that is bad for you. God knows but you do not know.”

(Quran 2:216) The life of this world was designed by our Creator to maximize our chances of living a blissful life in the Hereafter. When we face trials, they help us grow and mature into human beings who are able to function effortlessly in this transient world.

God has not abandoned us in face of the temptations and trials we face in this world, He has equipped us

with potent weapons. Three of the most important are patience, gratefulness, and trust.

The great Islamic scholars of islam said that our happiness in this life and our salvation in the Hereafter depend on patience.

“Verily! I have rewarded them this Day for their patience; they are indeed the ones that are successful.”

(Quran 23:111) “...to be firm or patient in pain or suffering, and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing.” (Quran 2:177) The Arabic word for patience is sabr and it comes from a root word meaning to stop, detain, or refrain. Ibnul Qayyim explained that having patience meant having the ability to stop ourselves from despairing, to refrain from complaining, and to control ourselves in times of sadness and worry.

Whenever we are beset by sadness and worry our first reaction should always be turning to God. By recognizing His Greatness and Omnipotence, we begin to understand that God alone can ease our troubled souls.

God Himself advised us to call on Him. “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names.”

(Quran 7:180) Prophet Muhammad sallallhu alahi wasallam encouraged us to call on God by all of His most beautiful names. In his own supplications, he is known to have said, “Oh God, I ask you by every name that You have named yourself, or that You have revealed in Your book, or that You have taught any of Your creation, or that You have kept hidden in the unseen knowledge with Yourself.”

In times of sorrow and

stress, contemplating the names of God can bring great relief. It can also help us focus on being calm and patient. It is important to understand that although the believer is encouraged not to thrash about in grief and anguish or to complain about the stresses and problems, he is allowed to turn to God and supplicate to Him and to ask Him for relief.

Human beings are frail.

Our tears fall, our hearts break and the pain is sometimes almost unbearable.

Even the prophets, whose connection to God was unbreakable, felt their hearts constrict in fear or pain. They too turned their faces to God and begged for relief.

However, their complaints were surrounded with pure patience and pure acceptance of whatever fate God had decreed.

When Prophet Jacob despaired of ever seeing his sons Joseph or Benjamin he turned to God, and the Quran tells us that he beseeched God for relief. Prophet Jacob knew that there was no point in raging against the world, he knew that God loves and protects those who are patient.

“He said: ‘I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God that which you know not.’”

(Quran 12:86) Quran also tells us that Prophet yaqoob alahissalam turned to God begging of His mercy. He was impoverished, stricken with disease, and he lost his family, friends, and livelihood yet he bore all this with patience and forbearance and he turned to God. “And (remember) Jacob, when he cried to his Lord, ‘Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.’ So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him

(that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us (God).” (Quran 21: 83-84) Patience means accepting what is beyond our control. In times of stress and anxiety, being able to surrender to the will of God is a relief beyond measure.

This does not mean that we sit back and let life pass by.

No! It means that we strive to please God in all aspects of our life, in our work and play, in our family life and in our personal endeavors.

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, “Whoever tries to be patient then God will help him to be patient”.

It becomes easy for us to exercise patience when we realize that it is impossible to count all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. The air we breathe, the sunshine on our faces, the wind through our hair, the rain on the parched earth and the glorious Quran, God’s words to us are all among the innumerable blessings of God upon us. Remembering God and contemplating His greatness is the key to patience, and patience is a key to Paradise everlasting, God’s greatest blessing for the fragile creatures called humankind.

As fragile human beings, we are often swamped by fears and anxiety. At times sadness and worry threaten to take over our lives. These emotions can become so consuming that we forget our primary purpose in life, which is to worship God. When pleasing God is at the centre of all our thoughts, actions and deeds, then sadness and worry can have no place in our lives.

We discussed about dealing with sadness and worry by striving to be patient. We also talked about counting the blessings God has bestowed upon us as a way of encouraging patience.

Another way of overcoming sadness and worry is by being grateful to God for His countless blessings.

God explains in the Quran, that true worshippers are those who are grateful and give thanks.

“Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favors on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.” (Quran 2:152) There are many ways to express gratitude. The first and foremost way is to worship God in the manner that He has prescribed. The Five Pillars of Islam were ordained upon us by God and they guide us to worship Him easily. When we fulfill our obligations towards God, just how truly blessed we are becomes obvious.

CONTD. ON PG 29

Sadness, Worry and Anxiety and it’s solution CONTD. FROM PG 28 The believer also expresses gratitude by giving charity.

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, advised his followers to give charity everyday to express gratitude to God for every single joint or faculty in his body. Imam Ibn Rajab, a noted Islamic scholar of the 7th Islamic century said, "Human beings are obligated to give thanks to God every single day for His blessings on them by performing acts of virtue and charity on a daily basis” If we remember God by reading the Quran and contemplating its meanings, we gain a greater understanding of the life of this world and the hereafter.

Consequently, we begin to understand the transient nature of this life and the fact that even the trials and tribulations are blessings from God. God’s wisdom and justice is inherent in even the direst situations.

In times of sadness and worry, when we are feeling alone and distressed, God is our only protecter,. When sadness and worry become unbearable, when there is nothing left but, stress, fear, anxiety, and misery, we instinctively turn to God. We know His words are true, we know His promise is true! “..if you are grateful, I will add more favors unto you.”

(Quran 14:7) God knows the wisdom behind why good things happen to bad people, or

why bad things happen to good people.

In general, whatever causes us to turn to God is good and we should be grateful for it. In times of crisis, people are drawn closer to God, whereas in times of comfort we often forget from where the comfort originated.

God is the Provider and He is the Most Generous. God wants to reward us with life everlasting and if pain and suffering can guarantee Paradise, then trials and tribulations are a blessing.

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, “If God wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.”

Prophet Muhammad also said, “No misfortune or disease befalls a Muslim, no worry or grief or harm or distress – not even a thorn that pricks him – but God will expiate for some of his sins because of that.” We are imperfect human beings.

We can read these words, we can even understand the sentiment behind them, but acknowledging the wisdom behind every situation and being grateful for our trials is very difficult. It is much easier to fall into sadness and worry. However, God, the Most Merciful, gives us clear guidelines and promises two things, if we worship Him and follow His guidance we will be rewarded with Paradise and that with hardship comes ease.

“So verily, with hardship, there is ease.” (Quran 94:5) God reminds us that with hardship comes ease.

Hardship is never absolute; it is always accompanied by ease. For that, we should be grateful. For that, we need to express our gratitude.

We must accept the trials, triumphs, and tribulations that are part of being alive.

Each one of them, from the highest highs to the lowest lows is a blessing from God. A blessing designed uniquely for each individual person.

When we are overcome by sadness or worry we must turn to God, strive to be patient and grateful and put our trust in God. For God is the most trustworthy.

By trusting Him, we can overcome any moment of anxiety and conquer any sadness or worry that tries to creep into our lives.

As we move into the new century, those of us privileged to live above the poverty line are faced with a unique set of challenges.

We have food enough to eat, shelter from the elements and most of us can even afford life’s little luxuries.

Physically we have all that we need, but spiritually and emotionally, we are bereft.

Our minds are filled with sadness and worry. Stress and anxiety mount.

As we gather possessions, we wonder why we are not happy. As we embark on yet another holiday we feel alone and desperate.

“And I (God) created not the jinn and humankind except that they should worship Me.” (Quran 51:56) The religion of Islam explains clearly our purpose

in life and gives us guidelines to follow to make our search for happiness easier. The Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, are our guide books for a life completely devoid of sadness and worry.

This however does not mean that we will not be tried and tested because God states very clearly in Quran that He will test us. Our lives will be filled with situations that require us to reach out for God and depend upon Him. God promises us that He will reward those who are patient, He asks us to be grateful to Him, and He tells us that He loves those who put their trust in Him. “...put your trust in God, certainly, God loves those who put their trust in Him.” (Quran 3:159) “The believers are only those who, when God is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord Alone.” (Quran 8:2) Life is filled with triumphs and tribulations. Sometimes it is a roller coaster ride.

One day our faith is high and sweet, the next it has plummeted and we feel sad and worried. The way to even out our journey is to trust that God knows what is best for us. Even when seemingly bad things happen, there is a purpose and wisdom behind them.

Sometimes

the purpose is known only to God, sometimes it is obvious.

Consequently, when we realise that there is no power or strength except from God, we can begin to relax. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, once reminded one of his young companions that God was all-powerful and nothing happens without His permission.

"Young man, uphold the commands of God, and He will protect you in this life and in the next. Uphold the commands of God and He will help you. When you ask for anything, ask it from God, and if you seek help, seek help from God. Know that if people were to unite to do you some benefit, they could benefit you only what God has recorded for you, and if they were to unite to do you some harm, they could harm you only with what God has recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are dry.”[1] When we are mindful of the fact that God has control over all things and that He ultimately wants us to live forever in Paradise, we can begin to leave our sadness and worry behind.

God loves us, and wants what is best for us. God has given us clear guidance and He is the Most Merciful, and the Most Forgiving. If things do not go according to our plan, if we do not see the benefits of the challenges we face in life it can become very difficult not to despair and fall prey

to stress and anxiety. At this point, we must learn to trust God. “If God helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in God (Alone) let believers put their trust.”

(Quran 3:160) “Say: "He is my Lord!

None has the right to be worshipped but He! In Him is my trust, and to Him will be my return with repentance.” (Quran 13:30) “And we shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt..., and in God (Alone) let those who trust, put their trust.” (Quran 14:12) As believers, our trust in God must be constant, in all situations, good, bad, easy, or difficult. Whatever happens in this world happens by the permission of God. He provides sustenance and He is able to withdraw it. He is the master of life and death.

God determines whether we are rich or poor and whether we are healthy or ill. We thank God for granting us the ability to strive and to go out and acquire that which is good for us. Whatever our circumstances may be we need to thank and praise God for them. If need be we must bear our difficulties with patience and above all we must love and trust God. When life becomes dark and difficult we must love God more; when we are overcome by sadness and worry we must trust God more. Aameen Ya Rubbal AALAMEEN bijahin Nabiyyil Kareem.

Building Resilient Communities and Driving Sustainable Growth Together

Last weekend 27-29 November the event LOVE'S CREATIVE CARNIVAL a 3-day integrated event was held by GSDVIA at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane. The creation of this integrative approach was the initiative of President Dr. Michelle Lee, and was many months in coordinating with the help of many heart-centered individuals donating their valuable time for this worthy

Call: (07) 3192 5188

event. The purpose of the event was to gather people from all over the world via links, to create a community of like-minded people who are passionate about our planet, the future of the planet, and taking care of all who live on the planet. We are all in this together. Dr. Lee was able to integrate social well-being, Eco-friendly clean energy, Economic Resilience, and Sustainable innovation (SEES). Dr. Lee

is leading the four VP team of GSDVIA in continuing research to create a digital SEES Blog to build bridges by working together to aid pandemic needs.

It was a comprehensive program that started on Friday 27th November with the topic of social well-being, mental health, and personal resilience.

The day focused on the mind-body and gut-mind connection. This includes healthy self-care, healthy eating, and the importance of regular exercise. Selflove was highlighted and loving yourself by keeping both body and soul healthy; building resilience and being able to manage the negatives in life and turn them into positives by a

more optimistic mindset, learning through adversity, and gaining the competency to help others. At the soul level, total wellness was dealt with by discussing how multi-faiths can live together with tolerance and understanding in society.

Healthy Healing doctors, specialists, and scientists shared their Mindset for Wellness and Quality of Life, which came back to a holistic approach of mind, body, and soul being of equal importance.

Day 2, Saturday 28th November was focused on multicultural care, including caretaking of Planet Earth, and a Harmonic Earth blessing was held via a “Holding Earth Together” virtual global relay. The Eco-

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friendly section dealt with climate change, clean energy, and green power future sharing. In the afternoon was an economic forum dealing with a circular economy, economic resilience, and sustainable innovation.

On day 3, Sunday 29th November we leaped into the digital era with topics such as innovating with innovation, and knowledge without boundaries, and their operational practice.

We learned from industrial professionals with leadingedge concepts, sharing their knowledge, experience, and real-life journeys within their community. They made it clear they were making themselves available to help with resilience and competency to help us all.

The overall theme of the congress was community, helping out each other, making the world a better place to live for all, and looking after our beloved Mother Earth, leaving a better environment for our next generations. One word to sum up the weekend: LOVE. GSDVIA 2020 Love's Creative Carnival 3 days hybrid event went well with great compliment, and extend another Holding the Earth Together at Brisbane City Hall, with great successful outcome, once again, thank you for all government, industrial and multicultural communities strong support and participation in allowing us to achieve today’s success!

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 29

4 January 2021

CoreLogic: Housing markets build momentum through the end of 2020, pointing to a strong start to 2021

onic Home Value Index

Logic: Housing markets build momentum through the of 2020, pointing to a strong start to 2021 Australia’s

housing

housing market finished the year on a strong market year a h CoreLogic’s national finished home value the index rising on the a strong footingmonth-onwith % in December; third consecutive following a CoreLogic’s -2.1% drop in dwelling values home between national eptember.

value index rising a further

home values1.0% finishedinthe year 3.0% higherthe with December; using values third rising by 6.9%, a rate of capital gain that consecutive monthhan three times higher than the combined capitals, rise e values wereon-month up 2.0% over the year. following

a -2.1% drop in dwelling

research director, Lawless, said the year was valuesTimbetween April and ed by a mild COVID dip in values, but unprecedented September. the transaction space. “The number of residential Australian les plummeted by -40% through home March andvalues April but e year with almost 8% more sales relative to a year finished the year 3.0% higher er numbers surged through the second half of the with regional housing values ite the volatility, housing values showed remarkable by rebounding 6.9%, a with rate of alling by onlyrising -2.1% before strength the final quarter of 2020.” capital gain that was more

than in three times higher than ect, the rebound housing market activity and the combined capitals, where alues is unsurprising given the rapid and substantial nd fiscal response the Government policy homefrom values were upand 2.0% “Record lowover interest the rates year.played a key role in housing market activity, along with a spectacular rise CoreLogic’s research er confidence as COVID-related restrictions were Tim Lawless, orecasts for director, economic conditions turned outsaid to be imistic. Containing the spread of the virus has been the year was characterised by ustralia’s economic and housing market resilience,” a mild COVID dip in values, said.

Index results as at December 31, 2020

Change in dwelling values Median value

Month

Quarter

Annual

Total return

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth Hobart Darwin Canberra

0.7% 1.0% 1.1% 1.1% 1.1% 0.7% 2.3% 0.6%

1.3% 1.5% 2.1% 3.6% 2.8% 3.2% 5.5% 3.5%

2.7% -1.3% 3.6% 5.9% 1.9% 6.1% 9.0% 7.5%

5.3% 1.9% 7.6% 10.1% 6.4% 11.4% 15.0% 12.5%

Combined capitals Combined regional National

0.9% 1.6% 1.0%

1.8% 4.0% 2.3%

2.0% 6.9% 3.0%

5.3% $651,983 11.8% $420,502 6.6% $574,872

$871,749 $682,197 $521,686 $468,544 $471,310 $513,552 $416,183 $678,765

Month-on-month change in national dwelling values 2.0% 1.0%

0.0% -1.0% -2.0%

Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 but unprecedented volatility working opportunities more prevalent and in the became transaction space.

Change in dwelling values r lifestyle properties and lower density housing “The number of of residential four of the eight capitals came more popular, regional areas Australia saw regional areas of Australia Past month are Past still 3 months Past 12 months saw housing market property sales plummeted recording dwelling arket conditions surge. “Regional housing markets ally underperformed to the capital city conditions surge. “Regional by -40%relative through March and values lower relative to their Sydney 0.7% 1.3% 2.7% er the past decade, but 2020 saw regional housing housing markets had previous April but finished the year peaks.

Melbourne Melbourne 1.0% 1.5% -1.3% e as demand outweighed supply,” said Mr Lawless. generally Brisbane underperformed with almost 8% more sales home2.1% values are still 1.1% 3.6% lipside, higher density has Adelaide 3.6% relative to the capital 1.1% city -4.1%below relative to ahousing year ago as generally buyer their 5.9% March rmed throughout the year, with capital city unit 1.1% regions overPerth the past decade, numbers surged through 2020 2.8%peak and1.9% Sydney ing reasonably firm (+0.2%) while house values were Hobart 0.7% 3.2% 6.1% but 2020 saw regional the second half of the year. need xcluding Melbourne, every capital city recorded a Darwin 2.3% dwelling5.5%values 9.0% to of capital gain for houses to units in 2020. housing Canberra values surge0.6%as recover Despite the relative volatility, housing a further 3.9%7.5% before 3.5% o Mr Lawless, the stronger growth conditions for demand outweighed supply,” values showed remarkable surpassing the previous July r units is due to a range of factors. “Unit markets Regional NSW 1.7% 4.3% 8.3% said Mr Lawless. resilience, falling by only 2017 peak.

Perth and Darwin ically been more popular amongst investor buyers; Regional Vic 1.8% 3.7% 5.6% -2.1% before rebounding values remain -19.9% On the flipside, higher m investors has been weighed down by weak rental Regional Qld 1.4% 4.1% 6.9% and across the unit sector along withthroughout high supply levels with strength thein density Regional their 8.1% 2014 housing has SA 2.0% -25.7%below 2.6% ncts. A transition of demand towards lower density Regional WA 1.2% 2.5% -3.7% final quarter of 2020.” peaks. generally underperformed ions has helped to buoy house values.”

Regionalthe Tas year, with 2.1% 11.9% In retrospect, the rebound Low4.4% inventory levels throughout NT 3.2% 4.9% 3.5% housing markets are gathering pace, four of the capital Regional in housing market activity have been a feature of the city unit values als are still recording dwelling values lower relative dwelling values is Australian housing holding firm Combined reasonably capitals 0.9% 1.8% 2.0% market vious peaks.and Melbourne home values are still -4.1% Combinedwhile regionals 1.6% 4.0% 2020.

6.9% the rapid through Although house values March 2020unsurprising peak and Sydneygiven dwelling values need (+0.2%) 1.0% 2.3% 3.0%listings a further 3.9% surpassing themonetary previous July were up Australia andbefore substantial the number of new 2.6%. Excluding Perth and Darwin -19.9% andfrom -25.7% Melbourne, every capital and values fiscalremain response surged higher through 2014 peaks. the Government and city recorded a higher rate spring and early summer, the policy “Record low1300 472 number residential of 767 capital gain for houses total quires contact: Michellemakers.

McKinnon or Jade Harling– or CoreLogic Homeof Value Index orelogic.com.au interest rates played a key dwellings advertised for sale relative to units in 2020.

Released 4 January 2021 role in supporting housing has remained persistently According to Mr Lawless, the market activity, along low throughout 2020. stronger growth conditions with a spectacular rise in for houses over units is due Total listings peaked at consumer confidence as to a range of factors. “Unit the end of November with COVID-related restrictions markets have historically approximately 165,000 were lifted and forecasts for been more popular amongst properties available for sale, economic conditions turned investor buyers; demand -18% lower relative to the out to be overly pessimistic. from investors has been same period in 2019, and Containing the spread of weighed down by weak -22% below the five year the virus has been critical rental conditions across average for that time of the to Australia’s economic and the unit sector along with year. At the end of 2020 there housing market resilience,” high supply levels in some was -21% fewer properties Mr Lawless said. precincts. A transition of available for sale than at the As remote working end of 2019. demand towards lower opportunities became more density housing options According to Mr Lawless, prevalent and demand for has helped to buoy house low advertised stock levels lifestyle properties and lower values.” reflect a rapid rate of density housing options absorption; put simply there Although housing became more popular, markets are gathering pace, are more active buyers than

new listings being added to the market. “Despite new listing numbers being consistently lower relative to their 2019 levels, the estimated number of home sales were almost 8% higher though 2020 compared with the 2019 calendar year.

This imbalance between effective supply and demand is another factor that has supported a rise in housing prices as a sense of urgency returned to the market. With home buyers outnumbering sellers, most areas around the country represent a seller’s market.”

Strong selling conditions are also reflected in auction clearance rates which have held firm around the 70% mark since the first week of November.

Auction conditions have shown extreme volatility through 2020, with a large portion of auctions withdrawn from sale during periods of lockdown when onsite auctions and home inspections were banned.

As housing market conditions firm, homes are selling faster and vendors are discounting their prices less.

Across the combined capital cities, the median number of days on market has reduced from a recent high of 43 days over the three months ending July to 33 days throughout the December quarter. Similarly, vendors are discounting their asking prices by a smaller amount, with the median vendor discount reducing from 3.6% to 2.8%.

Performance across broad valuation cohorts The most affordable quartile of the market is continuing to drive the strongest rise in values, however the performance gap is narrowing relative to more expensive properties.

Across the combined capitals, lower quartile home values were up 1.0% over the month compared with a 0.9% rise across the broad middle of the market and a 0.8% gain across the upper quartile of the market.

In Melbourne, where the

upper quartile lost the most value through COVID, home values are now rebounding the fastest.

Melbourne’s upper quartile index increased in value by 0.98% in December, compared with a 0.97% rise across the lower quartile.

Sydney’s upper quartile is also bouncing back strongly, recording a 0.70% rise in values over the month compared with a 0.63% rise across the lower quartile.

Brisbane is also showing strength across the upper quartile, with dwelling values up 1.25% in December compared with a 0.94% rise in values across the lower quartile of the market.

Previous cycles have shown a similar trend, where the more expensive end of the market has shown both stronger gains through the upswing and larger declines through the down phase of the cycle. With housing markets once again gaining momentum, it is likely the top end of the market will again start to outperform relative to other sectors.

Rental conditions have diverged substantially in 2020 from both a geographical perspective and across the housing types.

From a geographical perspective, the annual change in rents has been strong in Perth and Darwin where house rents are up around 10%in both cities and unit rents are 6.8% higher in Perth and 7.6% higher in Darwin. Mr Lawless attributes the strength in Perth and Darwin rentals to both strong demand and a recent history of minimal supply additions.

“Both Perth and Darwin have recorded below average levels of investor activity since housing market conditions started to cool in mid-2014 which has led to a shortage of rental stock.

More recently, with stronger interstate migration driving housing demand, rental rates have been under substantial upwards pressure as demand for rentals outweighs supply.”

Although rents are surging higher in Perth and Darwin, the longer term trend highlights the weak rental conditions that persisted prior to the recent upswing.

Perth rents remain -10.4% lower than the previous peak in May 2013 and Darwin rents remain almost -20% below their 2014 peak.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are rental conditions across the Melbourne and Sydney unit markets where weak demand and high supply has driven a sharp drop in rents.

Demand for inner city unit rentals has been significantly impacted by stalled overseas migration, especially from lower overseas student numbers. Weak demand for inner city unit rentals has been exacerbated by a recent history of high rise apartment construction in Melbourne and Sydney, with the pipeline of new units that are still under construction remaining well above the decade average. Melbourne unit rents are down -7.6% over the calendar year and Sydney unit rents are down -5.7%. Weak rental conditions across the unit sector are likely to persist until overseas migration starts to ramp up and the higher levels of supply are absorbed.

Rental yields have been under some mild downwards pressure through the COVID period, with the gross yield across the combined capitals region reducing from 3.51% at the end of 2019 to 3.42% in December 2020, while yields across the combined regional areas have reduced from 5.03% last year to 4.83% this year. Despite the lower yield profile, with interest rates likely to remain at record lows for some time yet, the opportunity for positive cash flow properties is becoming more prevalent.

Opportunities for positive cash flow properties along with the potential for capital gains is likely to see investment activity consistently lift through 2021.

OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY MUST SERVE PROPERTY CUSTOMERS: REIA SAYS REIA has called on the Australian Government to remove real estate agents from the proposed Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) Occupational Mobility Project, a policy objective intended for tradespeople.

REIA President, Adrian Kelly, said the opening of consultation on Occupational Mobility, has raised critical concerns about the inclusion of real estate agents adding that concerns had not been addressed by real estate leaders regarding the blanket application of AMR. Mr Kelly said training, qualification and consumer

protection standards will not be consistent if agents are included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition.

“Whilst it makes sense for a plumber to be able to change a tap washer across states as the process is the same, it is not so with property transactions where different legislation and multiple regulators exist in different states.

“The other obvious difference between a plumber and an estate agent is the vast quantum of funds involved, which is, more often than not, a family’s life savings.

“A ‘taken to be registered’

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

in the second state – or agents operating in two different states – could leave customers critically exposed.

“Any reforms in this space must holistically provide greater customer assurance to Australia’s property tenants, investors, buyers and owners.

“This is a longstanding objective of our industry that, done properly, legislation changes would benefit all real estate stakeholders, including State and Territory Governments, as well as enhancing the reputation of property professionals and our collective customer assurance offering,” he said.

Mr Kelly said that the property industry contributes $300 billion annually in economic activity and underpins a combined workforce of 1 in 4 Australian jobs.

“Licensing, training and on the job conduct and ongoing professional development varies wildly across each state and territory.

An automatic deemed recognition should honour national training reforms that require a Diploma of Property Services for a business owner and a full Certificate IV for associates or equivalents.

“Ideally, agents would

also have to have to prove their knowledge of local consumer protection laws and be subject to continued professional development.

“REIA is committed to providing research and well-informed advice to the Federal Government, Opposition, and professional members of the real estate sector, media and the public on a range of issues affecting the property market.

“It is disappointing that the Federal Government is continuing to deregulate without taking into account consumer standards.

“This is a case of ‘back to the future’ as was in the case

in 2012 – 2013 underneath the then National Occupation Licensing Authority (NOLA) and in 2015 when contributing to a Productivity Commission study on Mutual Recognition.

“We would like to see an industry-government ‘case for change’ identified that outlines the benefits of an AMR framework for real estate customers, agencies and governments.

This business case should harmonise nationally any aspects of training and qualifications as well as consumer affairs credentials,” Mr Kelly concluded.

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32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 33

India 'ready to save humanity' with two indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccines: PM Narendra Modi at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention being held virtually - a flagship event of the Ministry of External Aaffairs (MEA) that provides a platform to engage and connect with the Indian diaspora.

Speaking at the convention, PM Modi hailed the contributions of the diaspore to the global community. "In the past years, Non-Resident Indians have strengthened their identity in other countries,'' PM Narendra Modi said.

"You all have made a big contribution to the fight against Covid where you are staying and in India. Your

contribution to PM Cares is strengthening health services in India," the PM said while hailing the NRIs. "Today, we have been connected with the internet

from various corners of the world but our minds are always connected with 'Maa Bharti,'' PM Narendra Modi said while addressing the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya

Sonia Gandhi to hold meeting with party general secretaries, in-charges on farmers issue NEW DELHI: Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi will hold a meeting on Saturday with party general secretaries and in-charges in connection with the ongoing farmers' agitation at the gates of Delhi.

According to sources, a virtual meeting has been called to discuss the situation and to chalk out a strategy to support farmers protests. Congress has been in support of the farmers in their movement against the new farm laws enacted by the Centre in September.

Gandhi had earlier issued a statement that since Independence the current government has been the "most egoistic" government and had advised the Centre to repeal these laws and do "Raj Dharma".

Sources said that the Congress is planning to go aggressive against the central government over the farmers' agitation. They will hit the ground and reach out to the people across the country.

Congress general secretary

Divas Convention.

“India's mantra of 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' is appealing to the world.

India's history is proof that there's no question or doubts

be held on January 15.

Farmers have been protesting at different borders here since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws -- Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Covid-19: 18222 new cases take India's virus tally to 1,04,31,639 NEW DELHI: India's Covid-19 tally of cases climbed to 1,04,31,639 with 18,222 new cases in a day, while 1,00,56,651 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 96.41 per cent on Saturday, according to Union health ministry data.

There are 2,24,190 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which constitutes 2.16 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 1,04,31,639 and the death toll climbed to 1,50,798 with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 228 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The Covid-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 18,02,53,315 samples have been tested so far -9,16,951 of them on Friday -for coronavirus infection.

Bharatiya Divas convention is being organized on January 9, 2021, despite the ongoing COVID pandemic," read a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Thursday.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is held in the country every year to sustain and nurture the symbiotic relationship between India and its diaspora, and to address the development challenges that the country faces.

The convention will have three segments, the official statement read. It will also feature a keynote address by the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Hon’ble President of the Republic of Suriname.

Govt procures record 52m tonnes of paddy NEW DELHI: Procurement of paddy for the ongoing kharif marketing season (KMS) has touched 52.6 million tonne, an increase of 27.1% compared to the corresponding period last year.

The food and consumer affairs ministry said nearly 39% of the total purchase was from Punjab and about 69.1 lakh farmers benefited from the ongoing KMS procurement operations with MSP value of Rs 99,411 crore.

According to the ministry, paddy procurement is going

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday told Congress leaders, protesting against the three controversial farm laws at different borders of the national capital, that nothing short of a repeal of the legislations was acceptable.

The eighth round of negotiations between the protesting farmer unions and the Centre held on Friday remained inconclusive, and the next round of meeting will

about India's ability in any circumstances,” he added. ''India used to import PPE kits, masks, ventilators and testing kits from outside but today our nation is selfreliant. Today India is ready to save humanity with two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines,'' the PM said.

The main intent behind this programme is to encourage overseas Indians to be part of socioeconomic development in India. Briefing media in New Delhi, MEA Spokesman Anurag Srivastava said, the theme of the convention is 'Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

"In view of the sentiments of our vibrant diaspora community, the 16th Pravasi

on smoothly in Punjab, Haryana, UP, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, J&K, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, MP, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Karnataka and West Bengal.

Punjab alone has contributed 20.28 million tonne to the total procurement so far.

This is for the first time that the government has been coming out with procurement figures on a daily basis in its bid to send a message to the farmers that the Centre is committed to continue the MSP regime.

The ministry also said based on the proposal from states, approval was accorded for procurement of 5.2 million tonne of pulses and oilseeds during this season.

India to chair crucial UNSC panels on Taliban, terror NEW DELHI: After it took over as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, India will chair three crucial subsidiary committees, namely Taliban and Libya sanctions committees and also the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the government announced on Friday.

India began its two-year tenure at the UNSC as a nonpermanent member on January 1.

"The UN Security Council establishes subsidiary bodies on specific issues, including on the sanctions regimes," said India's Permanent Representative to UN T S Tirumurti.

He said the Taliban sanctions committee, also known as the 1988 Sanctions Committee, had always been a high priority for India, keeping in mind the country's strong interest and commitment to peace, security, development and progress of Afghanistan.

"Our chairing this committee at this juncture will help keep the focus on the presence of terrorists and their sponsors threatening the peace process in Afghanistan. It has been our view that peace process and violence cannot go hand in hand," he said.

The foreign ministry said India, during its tenure as a UNSC member, will be guided by a commitment to promote responsible and inclusive solutions to international peace and security, a new orientation for a reformed multilateral system and a world view anchored in India's ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam".

"With regard to Afghanistan, India and Afghanistan as contiguous neighbours share a natural historical relationship.

Our strategic partnership and long-term commitment to the development of Afghanistan reflects this timetested partnership. We have

invested heavily in peace and development in Afghanistan and we support all efforts to bring peace and stability there," said spokesperson Anurag Srivastava.

"Our position on the peace process has also been articulated. The peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghanowned and Afghan-controlled.

As an an important stakeholder, we look forward to working towards a peaceful, prosperous, sovereign, democratic and united Afghanistan," he added.

Tirumurti said India will also chair the CounterTerrorism Committee in 2022, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of India's independence. "The chairing of this committee has a special resonance for India, which has not only been in the forefront of fighting terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism, but has also been one of its biggest victims," he said.

Indian culture & traditions Apoorva Bala Prathibhe from Padmavibhshan Dr Veerendra Hegde This story, from a place called Kadri in Mangalore Karnataka, India depicts how the true values of our Indian culture & traditions are still alive in our present younger generation, and how a small, humble, sincere and dedicated effort can turn out into blessings of unexpected glory which is exemplary in its own unique way.

On 22.11.2008, the Bharathanatya Arangetram ( Rangapravesha) of a then ten year old Tanvi Rao was organized in a jam packed Mangalore Town Hall in front of around 1500 art lovers by her then 71 year old grandfather Sri B N Gopalkrishna Rao, also a retired post master and a poet and a theatre artist. His collection of Kannada poems book “Nallege” (meaning “To my beloved”) was also released during the stage program on that occasion.

Later, Tanvi Rao, being a born dancer also having inherited the acting skills of her grandfather decided to follow her passion dance and theatre by choosing to pursue B A in Performing Arts, (instead of M B B S -Medicine as per the normal prevailing trend In India) even after scoring 98% in her 12th Board exams in PCMB as her grandfather‘s wish that his granddaughter should one day become a great artist. This young girl hailing from comparatively a small town Mangalore, not only acted in movie Gulaab Gang with Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla & in Guns of Banaras as Sri Vinodh Khanna’s daughter in his last film, but got recognition even from the Former President of India, Honorable Dr A P J Abdul Kalam when he, after knowing about her achievements, personally met Tanvi through a special appointment in Mangalore during February 2009, collected the VCD of her Arangetram personally from

are still alive in our present younger generation

With Padmashree Kadri Gopalnath ji her after keeping his hand on her head as a token of his blessings in appreciation of her academic as well as extracurricular achievements till then, with a promise to view the VCD. A month later, a letter followed from the Peoples’ President & Missile Man of India, Bharatharatna Dr A P J to Tanvi stating that he had watched her Bharathanatya arangetram VCD performance. He wrote “you have done well. You have to keep the tempo of learning and build your own creativity and style”.

Sri B N Gopalkrishna Rao passed away at his age of 82, in the year 2019. A year later, out of many poems released during 2008, 4 poems were converted to audio tracks by his daughter Roopalaxmi Rao, with the intention of making these poems popular by releasing them through dance forms in YouTube, as a tribute to the poet.

For one of the poems called “Kolala Krishna” ( Krishna with Flute), Tanvi (poet’s son’s daughter) choreographed and performed a beautiful dance in Indian classical dance form Bharathanatya to release the same on YouTube on 22.11.2020

Dancing with Madhuri Dixith exactly 12 years after the original poem book release of grandfather and Bharathanatya arangetram of granddaughter, but also performed a shorter version of the same dance for that poem as a tribute to her late grandfather during one of the Kannada TV daily soap episodes when she was asked to present a dance for that show where she was a lead actress.

This effort said to have earned around 9 million viewers on that TV episode telecast. In addition the YouTube release shared through various social media platforms like facebook etc by people all over the world reached nearly 8 lac views as on date.

This is the story of an Indian perfect tribute and thanks giving by a granddaughter to her grandfather in her own way as this poem is thus is about to reach one crore ( 10 million) art lovers soon. This dance can be seen through Facebook link https://www. facebook.com/kalakaarsapp/ posts/2655295867929025 or YouTube link https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gJ2HabRsK6c .

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FOCUS ON FIJI 4 Rabuka supporters collecting signatures at TC Yasa Appeal Concert questioned by Police Four people collecting signatures for the proposed political party of former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the TC Yasa Appeal Concert at Ratu Sukuna Park today were taken in for questioning by Police.

Police Spokesperson Savaira Tabua says the people were warned not to collect signatures after a report was lodged against them.

She says they were questioned and released.

Tabua stresses this does not mean that people will be stopped from collecting signatures.

She says the people collecting signatures today at Ratu Sukuna Park were told

to leave for the security of others who were part of the charity event.

Rabuka has been collecting signatures for his proposed political party in

People donate money, stationery and clothes at TC Yasa Appeal Concert Hundreds of people have showed up to donate money, stationery, clothes and shoes at the TC Yasa Appeal Concert currently underway at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva until 7 o’clock tonight.

The concert is organised by the Fiji Performing Rights Association which says more than $10,000 has been collected so far together with 28 bags of clothes and stationery.

More than 15 local artists are performing to raise money for those affected People can expect performances from Sitiveni Nawavakaca, Epeli Kurualeba,

Saimone Vuatalevu, Nat Raikadroka, Via ni Tebara, Sauca Seda, Young Blood, Knox, Eremasi Tamanisau Jnr, Georgina Ledua, Inside Out, Aggie Vakaloloma, Bigwilz,

Savuto, KKU, Etta Gonerogo and Laisa Vulakoro.

The TC Yasa Appeal Concert will finish at 7pm today.

Entry is free.

parts of the country.

He was at the Nadi Market recently.

Vehicle veers off Borron Road in Suva

Two people have been taken to the CWM Hospital after a vehicle veered off at the intersection of Borron Road and Waimanu Road this afternoon.

The vehicle overturned and landed in a steep ditch.

The third passenger did not sustain injuries.

Police were at the scene.

Some schools expected to be handed over to Education Ministry on Monday Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima says they still believe they can handover all schools undergoing temporary fixes to the Education Ministry

by Monday.

He says the Australian Defence Force personnel have now been cleared and they will be a major boost in the temporary fixes being carried out on schools.

Rainima says the Australian Defence Force personnel were already working on Galoa Island and now they will have new areas and schools to work on.

Rebuilding works are underway on 32 schools that were classified by the government as priorities.

These schools will

also be fumigated by the Ministry of Health officials before the start of the new school year on the 19th of this month.

Australia sends more relief supplies to Fiji Heads of households provided with

trauma support uncertain about how to move forward - Empower Pacific

Australia has sent another Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster aircraft carrying humanitarian aid to help those affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa This is the third batch of relief supplies flown to Fiji

by Australia.

The first two batches consisted of shelter kits, hygiene kits, medical supplies, chainsaws and parts, solar street lights and lighting supplies.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji,

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

John Feakes had said they are backing the Fijian government’s quick response by ensuring more relief supplies are available for families impacted by the cyclone.

The third batch is expected to arrive today.

A non-governmental organisation providing counselling to Fijians affected by TC Yasa says heads of households provided with psychological first aid, trauma support and grief counselling are worried about their future and are uncertain about how to move forward as their cash crops have been destroyed, houses and belongings damaged and water systems disrupted.

Empower Pacific says with the academic year also about to begin – parents are worried about how they will provide for their children’s educational resources and other major expenses.

Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam says while

delivering psychological first aid in Bua, their team members identified that many individuals living with a disability are not only traumatized by their experiences post-TC Yasa, but they are also in dire need of mobility aids, adult diapers and financial support.

Morgam says they are working with disability service providers and are referring these affected individuals to the Department of Social Welfare for further support.

He adds during their response in Lomaiviti, they provided face-to-face trauma therapy including grief counselling to a single mother and her family.

Morgam says the single

mother of 6 children lost her husband days before TC Yasa and was concerned about the livelihood of her family, as their Yaqona farm was destroyed.

He further says continuous support is being provided via tele-counselling services and they have also referred the case to the Department of Social Welfare for further socio-economic related assistance.

In its response to TC Yasa, Empower Pacific has provided psychological first aid and therapeutic counselling in Ra, Bua, Cakaudrove, Macuata, Lau, Lomaiviti and Yasawa.

2,185 people have received psychological first aid support.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 37

Exclusive: Varun Dhawan talks about his COVID recovery Post the lockdown when the industry was getting back to life and slowly getting the business moving, Varun Dhawan started a fresh new project titled Jug Jugg Jeeyo.

For his new film, Varun Dhawan flew down to Chandigarh with the cast which includes Kiara Advani, Neetu Kapoor and Anil Kapoor. Unfortunately within a few days into the shoot, Varun Dhawan and Neetu Kapoor were tested positive for COVID. Today we got chatting with the Coolie No 1 star as he slays on our brand new digital Filmfare cover. While he sizzles on the cover with his sass and cool attitude, in

this interview he talks about everything under the sun from what’s his next movie to his marriage plans. The actor spoke about his COVID recovery and got talking about it.

When asked about his health, he said he’s doing much better now and adds that he got most of his energy back with the release of Coolie No 1 on Amazon Prime. “The excitement when people see your work and that euphoria of watching it, gave me a lot of joy. And I'm feeling much better,” said the actor. Well, the actor loves his job and we must say that the rush his movie release gave him surely brought the smile back on his face.

Here’s how Madhuri Dixit-Nene is spending her weekend Madhuri Dixit Nene might be seen less on the big screen but she makes sure that her fans get enough dose of her charm on social media.

The actress loves to post things from daily life on Instagram.

Today the actress has posted some really cool video which has got all of us smiling.

Madhuri Dixit Nene has

posted a video where we see her riding a cycle in an open field. While the actress smoothly rides the cycle, she’s not alone and rather has a cute companion for her ride. Her dog is seen following her and keeps running behind her. Isn’t that cute? Madhuri Dixit has captioned the picture saying, ‘Wherever you go, I'll follow.

Kareena Kapoor Khan reunites with her girl gang

The West has the Kadarshians – a bunch of sisters who lead glamorous life and whatever they do they make it look stylish and glamorous. Well, our answer to the fabulous girl gang is our very own Kareena Kapoor Khan and her squad which usually consists of Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora Ladak, Karisma Kapoor, Natasha Poonawala and Mallika Bhat.

Today Kareena Kapoor Khan takes to her Instagram and shares a sexy click with her squad from one of her impromptu meetings with her friends. In the picture we

see Malaika, Amrita, Natasha and Mallika posing with Bebo and the caption reads, ‘Reunited. Missing Lolo @ therealkarismakapoor.’ Bebo loves to chill with her friends and due to the pandemic their lunch-outings and vacation trips have become less since the last year and looks like after a long time the girls have met and chilled together.

Kareena Kapoor Khan is expecting her second child and everyone is really excited for the actress to embrace motherhood again.

The diva is even going to launch a book where she will let out some secrets she

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

followed during pregnancy.

The actress will be seen next in Laal Singh Chadha

opposite Aamir Khan which releases this year on Christmas.

Malaika Arora, Parineeti Chopra, Sonu Sood and many more pour in wishes for Farah Khan

Today choreographer turned filmmaker Farah Khan celebrates her birthday and the who’s who of Bollywood has taken to their Instagram stories to wish her a very happy birthday. Farah Khan who’s known for her wit, her hospitality and also her great lunch parties and sending her famous Yakhni pulao to celebrity homes, has always been loved by everyone. And today as she turns older, some heartwarming wishes poured in for her over the social media.

Malaika Arora who has danced to her moves quite often from Chaiyaa Chaiyaa to Munni Badnaam Hui, posted a

selfie with her and called her Kameena and spoke of their bond which has been since 98.

Parineeti Chopra posted a selfie-and called her the hottest and demanded the famous biryani for her birthday.

Current superhero in our nation, Sonu Sood who has worked with Farah Khan in Happy New Year has some very kind words for his director and an adorable click to share.

Now looks like Farah Khan is truly loved by all and her hospitality is always loved the most by her celebrity friends.

Here’s wishing the rockstar choreographer/director the very best birthday from team Filmfare.

Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma have the sweetest birthday wishes for Farhan Akhtar

Farhan Akhtar is one man who surely has many, many feathers on his hat.

He’s a director, a singer and a prolific actor. And as he turns older, the genius just gets better on and offscreen. Farhan Akhtar who has worked in several films and on several movies gets some warm birthday wishes from all his co-stars and the actors he has worked with.

His leading ladies like Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma and Kareena Kapoor Khan took to their Instagram profiles to wish him a very happy birthday. Let's take a look at the warm wishes the artist received on social media.

Anushka Sharma shared a lovely click of Farhan Akhtar and wished him lots of love and luck. The two

have worked together in Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s one of the first dance numbers Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Deewana where she reprised Helen’s dancing avatar was directed

by Farhan Akhtar in Don. The actress shared a suave click of the artiste and wished him on his special day.

Katrina Kaif and Farhan’s fun camaraderie in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is surely a memorable one and Kat wished the best to the superstar on IG story.

Mrunal Thakur who’s going to be paired opposite Farhan in her next, made sure she drops a special message with a cute video posted on her story.

The message is heartwarming and we can’t wait to see their chemistry on screen.

AKSHAY KUMAR LOOKS THE PART AS HE BEGINS FILMING FOR HIS NEXT BLOCKBUSTER BACHCHAN PANDEY

Fans of international megastar Akshay Kumar have been given a first glimpse of what is in store for them this year, after it was revealed that the international megastar and icon has started shooting for his upcoming film Bachchan Pandey.

From photos taken on set, Akshay Kumar looks the complete part of an action hero, as his rugged, no-nonsense look shows that he will be a man not to be messed with! Dripping in gold chains and dressed in a black shirt with buttons undone and a pair of black jeans, fans will no doubt be excited as to how Akshay Kumar will save the day.

As the movie went to floors on Wednesday, Akshay

Kumar will play the lead role in the film, which is a remake of the 2014 film Veeram in which a kindhearted villager takes down the enemies of his fiancée’s father, to safeguard their

family. Bachchan Pandey also stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Kriti Sanon, and Arshad Warsi.

This will be the 10th time that Akshay Kumar has teamed up with renowned

producer Sajid Nadiadwala, which has resulted in many successful films over the years including Waqt Hamara Hai, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and the popular Housefull franchise.

Akshay Kumar shared his on set look with his 100M+ social media followers asking to hear their thoughts on his new look.

“New year, old associations… begun shooting for #BachchanPandey, my 10th film with #SanjidNadiadwala, and hopefully many more.

Need your best wishes and do tell me your thoughts on the look.” @farshadsamji @ kritisanon @jacquelinef143 @arshad_warsi @ nadiawalagrandson

Disha Patani to play Jackie Shroff’s sister in Radhe: The Most Wanted Bhai

Disha Patani is all set for her second film with Salman Khan after Bharat. But he’s not the only actor she will be seen working with for the second time, Disha will also be sharing screen space with Jackie Shroff in Radhe: The Most Wanted Bhai. The film also stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Randeep Hooda and is one of the most awaited films of 2021.

The latest update on the film is that Disha will be playing Jackie Shroff’s younger sister. A source revealed, “In Bharat, they did not get a chance to share the screen but now in Radhe: The Most Wanted Bhai, they will be seen in multiple scenes in

the action film, playing the role of an elder brother and younger sister."

Furthermore, the film was expected to release on OTT but no confirmation has been given by the production house yet. The exhibitors have also written to Salman requesting him to release the film on the big screen, "Your film (Radhe) is among the few that are capable of resurrecting the fortunes of independent / single screen cinemas across the country.

A film like that, if released widely can give not just financial support & relief, but also a ray of hope to owners & employees of theatres in the context of their future."

SONU SOOD CROWNED TOP GLOBAL ASIAN CELEBRITY FOR 2020

Indian actor Sonu Sood has been named the number one Asian celebrity on the planet for 2020. The talented Bollywood star beat off tough global competition to top the first of its kind 50 Asian Celebrities In The World list, which is published

by UK based Eastern Eye newspaper. He ranked ahead of global stars, including from Hollywood, the music industry, television, literature and social media, for his inspiring philanthropic work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Thank you, Eastern Eye, for recognising my efforts. As the pandemic broke, I realised it was my duty to help my countrymen, it was an instinct that came from within.

Eventually, this was something I came to Mumbai for, it was my responsibility as an Indian which I did. I think all the love of the people, which I received was simply their wishes and prayers who I helped. Once again, I won't stop till my last breath,” said Sonu Sood.

The top 50 list celebrating Asian stars who shone the brightest in 2020, is based on those who did good work, made a positive impact, broke boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, gave hope, did philanthropic deeds or were just inspiring in their own unique way. There was also big public input as millions of posts were generated by social media users nominating their favourite star of the year.

Eastern Eye entertainment editor Asjad Nazir, who put together the list explained

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that no celebrity did more to help others during lockdown than Sonu Sood and said: “What started off with the big-hearted Bollywood star helping impoverished migrant workers stranded by lockdown get back home evolved into a spectacularly philanthropic mission that made a difference to so many during the pandemic.

Whether it was paying for surgeries, donating food, setting up scholarships, campaigning for women’s rights, or buying a new tractor for a farmer, so his daughters could study and not plough a field, super Sonu helped in countless ways in 2020. He fully deserves The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which is handed out by the Academy Awards.”

Canadian YouTuber, social media star, comedian and TV personality Lilly Singh came in second for her pathbreaking journey, remarkable output and entertaining audiences most when they needed it. HalfIndian British pop superstar Charli XCX was third for creating her masterpiece Mercury Music Prize nominated album How I Am Feeling Now, entirely during lockdown and British actor Dev Patel was fourth for his glass-ceiling shattering, colour-blind lead roles in The Personal History of David Copperfield and The Green Knight.

Indian singer Armaan Malik came in fifth for his immense musical output that included barrier breaking English language songs. Sixth

placed Priyanka Chopra continued being the most famous Indian star on the planet. The rest of the top 10 are the biggest Pan-Indian star Prabhas (7), Hollywood power player Mindy Kaling (8), highest placed Indian TV star Surbhi Chandna (9) and Pakistan-born Hollywood heavyweight Kumail Nanjiani (10). “Whether it was philanthropy, breaking boundaries, inspiring others, trending across social media, crossing new frontiers, creating really great work or inspiring a new generation, many South Asian stars shone brightly and became beacons of hope, during a crushing year when it was needed more than ever. They are celebrated in this list,” said Asjad Nazir.

The youngest in the list is 18-year-old Canadian newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (22), who starred in successful Netflix series Never Have I Ever.

The oldest is 78-year-old Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan (20), who once again did great work on film and TV, helped humanitarian causes, beat Covid-19 after contracting it and carried on destroying ageism. The highest placed author is the Booker Prize nominated Avni Doshi (31). The highest placed Pakistani is Sarwat Gilani (21) and the highest ranked Bangladeshi is the country’s first comic icon and social media influencer Raba Khan (27).

Others in the list include Ayushmann Khurrana (11), Geraldine Viswanathan

(13), Diljit Dosanjh (14), Shehnaaz Gill (16), Jameela Jamil (18), Pankaj Tripathi (23), Asim Riaz (25), Masaba Gupta (32), Saloni Gaur (36), Steel Banglez (37), Dhvani Bhanushali (42), Iman Vellani (44), Helly Shah (47) and Anoushka Shankar (50).

Acclaimed actress Sarwat Gilani has been named as the number one Pakistan based celebrity for 2020. The Churails star is the highest

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placed Pakistani in a first of its kind Top 50 Asian Celebrities In The World list, which is published by UK based Eastern Eye newspaper.

She is ranked at number 21, ahead of global stars, including from Hollywood, the music industry, television, literature and social media, for her boundary-breaking performance in hit web serial Churails. Eastern Eye entertainment editor Asjad

Nazir, who put together the list explained that Sarwat’s performance is a big turning point in Pakistani popular culture and said: “The stunning turn from Sarwat Gilani smashed stereotypes, redefined the Pakistani leading lady and exuded the kind of girl power not seen before in the country.

She along with other cast members have dragged Pakistani productions out of their comfort zone and into a new era, by bravely taking on their respective roles. Away from acting, she remained a positive role model throughout the year.”

The top 50 list celebrating Asian stars who shone the brightest in 2020, is based on those who did good work, made a positive impact, broke boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, gave hope, did philanthropic deeds or were just inspiring in their own unique way. There was also big public input as millions of posts were generated by social media users nominating their favourite star of the year.

Other Pakistanis in the list include Bilal Abbas Khan (28), Ali Zafar (39) and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (49). There were also plenty of international stars of Pakistani background in the top 50, including Zayn Malik (12), Riz Ahmed (15), Guz Khan (41), Iman Vellani (44), Hussain Manawer (46) and Karachi born Kumail Nanjiani (10).

The full list has been published in Eastern Eye newspaper on December 11.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 39

Hepatitis C in the Indian Sub-Continent Were you born in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or the Maldives?

Have you been checked for hepatitis C? Most people who migrate to Australia are not tested for hepatitis C including people from the Indian SubContinent countries. If you have never, or do not know if you have been checked, you should ask your doctor for a hepatitis C blood test.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that can cause liver damage, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. Hepatitis C is one of the largest causes of liver cancer in the region. It is also a silent disease because people with hepatitis C normally don’t have symptoms. Thus they may not know they have it for

Treatment is highly effective and will cost less than $125 if you have a Medicare Card, less with a Healthcare Card. If people don’t have a Medicare Card, they can access cheaper treatment via www.hepcfix.com.au.

Save your liver, save your life. Ask your doctor for a hepatitis C blood test.

Remember: hepatitis C can be reinfected. There is no vaccine that can protect you. To avoid blood contact is the best way to protect you from getting hepatitis C.

many years. For example, in India 4 out of 5 people who have hepatitis C do not know they have it.

Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus and is spread by blood, even the blood is invisible. In many

countries people can get it through blood transfusion and blood products, using unsterile medical equipment in clinics or hospitals or reuse needles and syringes. Hepatitis B and HIV can also be spread

through these ways.

Good news is that hepatitis C can be treated and cured!

Treatment that can cure the virus is available in Australia and can be prescribed by many GPs.

For more information about hepatitis C you can check the following websites: www.eccq.com.au/ bbv, www.eccq.com.au/bbvvideo, www.ashm.org/HCV, or www.hepqld.asn.au, or you can call ECCQ on 3844 9166.

If you live in Cairns, you can also contact: Rhondda Lewis: Viral Hepatitis Health Practition er Phone: 07-4226 4761 email: Rhondda.

Lewis@health.qld.gov.au

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

Summer Sunburn Remedie Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

Hey Girls, Happy New Year. Despite all the happiness and fun of summer, at the end of the day most of us are left with ugly and unattractive sun tan on face and hands that takes away all the fun from the outing. With the lack of time, most of us, opt for quick fix solutions like a session of use chemical laden cosmetic products for instant tan removal. But all these products take a serious toll on the delicate skin of the face and show fatal side-effects in the long run. Therefore, it is best to choose home remedies to remove sun tan that not only heals the damage in a nourishing way, but is the ultimate answer to the question of how to get a clear face naturally.

Instead of splurging on expensive cosmetic products that are loaded with harmful chemicals and bleaching agents, use these nourishing and wholesome homemade face packs prepared from au naturel ingredients that are easily available and hustle free to make.

and lemon – two perfect natural bleaching agents.

Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C and citric acid, both of which help in lightening skin tone and is the natural solution to the question of how to maintain clear skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes the damage caused be free radicals and helps in lightening tan, age spots, and dark spots. But it is a must to use a sunscreen with high SPF when using a lemon remedy because the acidic nature of the juice can make the skin sensitive to the UV rays of the sun.

Milk, Rice Powder and Honey Bleach:

Cucumber, Rose Water and Lemon Juice Pack:

Mix 2 tsp of rice powder, 2 tbsp. of cold milk and 1 tsp of honey into a fine paste. Clean your face and neck thoroughly and then apply. After 20 minutes, lightly scrub using your wet hands and then wash off with cool water. This pack acts like a natural skin lightening bleach cream. It fades away tan, eliminates dead skin cells and leaves your skin silky, smooth and fair.

This is one of the most effective homemade face masks for sun tan removal that uses the goodness of cucumber

Aloe Vera and Rose water: Fresh aloe-vera gel is the magic cure for tanned skin. It is extremely powerful in minerals, vitamins, enzymes and nutrients that work effectively to treat different skin problems like rashes, sunburn,

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

and skin discoloration.

Combine 2 tsp of aloe vera gel with few drops of rose water. Freeze it for 10 minutes and then soak it up into your tanned skin.

Aloe Vera, Masoor Daal (Red Lentil) and Tomato Face Pack:

vera gel soothes burning and inflammation of the skin and helps in healing sunburn and suntan.

Tomatoes rejuvenate the skin and revitalize it from within.

Soak a tablespoon of masoor daal in water for 20 minutes and then make a rough paste. Mix this paste with fresh aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon tomato pulp and massage on face and neck. Keep for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.

Tomato, Yogurt and Lemon Juice Face Pack:

This is undoubtedly one of the best home remedies for sun tan that uses the hydrating benefits of aloe vera and the exfoliant quality of masoor dal. Masoor daal helps in clearing even the extreme of tanning.

Aloe vera hair mask is widely used for natural hair treatment. The plant steroids found in aloe

We are also aware of the benefits of lemon tea for weight loss but it is also a great ingredient for skin.

This face pack incorporates the powerful bleaching properties of lemon, tomato and yogurt and is

one of the best face packs for improving the skin tone naturally. It works wonders in removing dark spots and pigmentation from sun tanned skin.

In addition, tomato juice works as a natural toner to shrink open pores and reduce oiliness of the skin, whereas yogurt helps in moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

In order to prepare this pack mix 2 tablespoon of tomato pulp, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of yogurt in a bowl and apply on face.

Let it dry for 30 minutes.

Wash with cold water. The tomato juice may cause a sensation of itchiness in the beginning, but it will mellow down with regular application.

Besan (Bengal Gram Flour) and Turmeric Face Pack: This face pack for tanned skin is a combo of bleaching and scrubbing with the wonder ingredient: Turmeric, often called the holy powder.

It is not only important for its amazing medicinal

properties, but also for its amazing effects on the skin.

Turmeric adds a healthy glow to the skin and helps in reducing pigmentation and tan. Bengal gram works as a natural scrub for exfoliating the skin and removing dead cells.

Mix 2 tablespoons of besan, a pinch of turmeric, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 tablespoon of crushed orange peel in a bowl with cold rose water. Apply on clean face and let it dry for 20 minutes. Moist the dried areas by sprinkling water on it and slowly remove the pack by scrubbing gently in clockwise and anticlockwise direction. Apply this pack once in two days for effective exfoliation and tan removal.

I am sure you will get benefit out of it, enjoy your day. I will see you next month. Nimisha

Rotary club of Brisbane International Rotary club of Brisbane International is forever thankful to the families and friends contributing towards making a difference to those who need it the most at the moment in Fiji, after the devastating effects of TC Yasa.

Apart from immediate food relief assistance, the club sent $A10,000 to Rotary Club of Labasa as phase 2 of the relief efforts.

It is anticipated around 15 houses will be restored to homes by having a roof.

The club will continue to turn conversations into actions as together we strife to serve above self and make a difference serving humanity.

Please continue to support our efforts as rebuild efforts are undertaken. We also take this opportunity to wish you an enjoyable, rewarding and prosperous 2021.

The following is an update report from President of Labasa Rotary Club, John Prasad: Hi Team, I apologize in advance for the long message. There are so many things that have been happening behind the scenes and I just wish to update you all here briefly.

Please do take time out to read. Thanks Firstly, I must thank our team for your selfless efforts in responding to those affected by TC Yasa.

Special mention to Kaka Jitendra Prasad who I have been liaising with since day one and who has not only inspired us by his words of encouragement every morning but also by rallying his troops to organize funding for our recovery efforts.

Credit where it is due, Edwin's brainchild 'Gift a Roof' project is the next major project for our club.

This is where we assist a family by putting a roof over their head. This gives them a boost to kickstart their recovery efforts.

Kaka Jiten and his Rotary Club of Brisbane International has partnered with us to kickstart this project with a donation of AUD$10,000.00.

We are inspired and truly grateful to serve together with him and his club in Rotary. This is a prime example of service above self, where physical

Call: (07) 3192 5188

distance doesn't really matter. This disaster has in fact opened an opportunity to showcase what Rotary is all about, going in line with the theme of 2020-2021 Rotary Opens Opportunities!

So thank you Kaka Jiten.

I would also like to thank Edwin, Sharmila, Jyoti, brother Yogesh and sister Shelly and Rajneel and all other members who have been assisting with the various donations and distribution of the food rations.

The first recipient of the 'Gift a Roof' Project was one Sanjay Kumar. He has 2 daughters and one son who suffers from epilepsy, their roof was blown off and they did not have any shelter.

Sanjay does casual labour work and does not have a steady income, whatever he earns goes towards his daughter who is a 2nd year nursing student.

Touched by their situation, Rotarian Edwin sponsored their roof; from the materials to the transportation of the materials to Bua to the labour work and has transformed their lives.

The second family identified and assisted is Pratt Kumari's family.

Pratt Kumari and her family live 7km from the main road at Nagigi, Labasa.

Their family was greatly affected by TC Yasa whereby the entire roof was blown off and side structures damaged.

The family consists of 6 members, out of which 4 are specially challenged.

She has 2 children namely Ravin Raj, 42, separated, a stroke patient with 2 daughters who are disabled and Ritesh Raj, separated, with one son aged 12 years.

The two disabled children are Suhani raj, 18, who is unable to speak and Anita Raj, 15, is unable to walk.

Prat Kumari receives Social Welfare assistance in the amount of $130.00 and Suhani and Anita receive $80 per month for their survival.

The 12 year old Rohan Raj is a class 6 student at Nagigi Primary school.

The family currently lives in a house with a temporary roof made of tarpaulin and old roofing irons which leaks when it rains. The family of 6 share one bedroom where the daughters sleep on one mattress on the bed and the others sleep on the floor.

There is no electricity in the house.

Upon visitation by Rotary yesterday, we were greatly moved by their plight and hardship and our assessment committee decided to provide roofing irons, timber, nails, strapping, mattresses, clothes, sanitary pads for the daughters etc. These items have been delivered and the roofing instalment completed by this afternoon.

We have been active on social media also and been in contact with Rotary clubs of Viti Levu who have pledged their support.

We have identified various other families for the Gift a Roof project a d are currently working on the same.

As president of the club, I'd like to thank all members for their commitment to service above self and stepping up when needed. This is the time for us to act. This is what

Rotary is all about. Special acknowledgment to those members who have been working hard in securing sponsors for our Gift a Roof project.

I'd also like to encourage and request everyone to come on board with the 'Gift a Roof' Project as this will be an ongoing project requiring our full focus.

Thank you and keep up the good work team. God bless.

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 41

2021 Yearly Predictions Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

As per the Vedic Astrology analysis, the year is expected to start on a positive note with many surprises. During the mid-part of the year, certain planetary positions may bring challenging and fresh professional opportunities at the career front. It is suggested to keep control of your negative emotions during this phase. In the latter half of the year, there may be some professional growth. But it is advisable to keep control of your temper. Otherwise, it may affect your relationship.

With the arrival of New Year, your financial status may experience good growth. It is a favourable time for the long-time investment, but be careful about the greedy scheme as it may lure you. It is advised to stay away from any kind of risk-taking scheme in the share market this year. As the year will end, you may find some good opportunities for financial growth. As far as your love life is concerned, you may be blessed with some positive cosmic events, but it is suggested to have your focus on enjoying rather than expecting. This year, you can expect great support and love from your partner. However, someday you may feel low in intimacy, but remember, it is just for a temporary period. In regards to your education and academic front, planets may be in your favour for the major part of the year. The entire year, you may face lots of effort and struggle regarding your studies, or you may face some mental pressure also. But in the end, you may get success which can give you immense happiness. There may be some days when you would feel lazy, but routine exercise may help you to overcome this. In some phases, you may be serious about your studies, which may prove progressive for overall growth. When talking about your marriage and domestic life, most of the year might bring successive growth.

Your desire to get freedom may increase. However, you may face some emotional turmoil, so it is suggested to maintain a balance between things. You may expect some changes regarding your domestic life, so before making any change, it’s better to discuss with your loved one. On the health front, there is nothing to be concerned about, you might spend this year with no major ailments. However, there may be some days where you might feel low, but it would be for a short period. Most of the time, you may feel calm and composed.

As per the Vedic astrological analysis, the period would remain supportive of your professional life. You may expect growth in knowledge and personality. You may find creative ways to accomplish your project and see benefits regarding all your undertakings. Some days you may feel sluggish, but overall, the period would keep you in a happy mood which only enhances your performance. The later year, the planetary situation would support your career growth, and you may also be confident about your ability to earn. Regarding your financial segment, the year would be satisfactory and receive plenty of opportunities. Expenses may increase social commitments.

But as the year progresses, you may see growth in fortune and wealth. The mid-year 2021, is good for long-term investment and for implementing your economic plans. By mid-September, you may take your financial status to new heights with a crucial plan and a new way of thinking.

But, It is advised to just relax. This year, your supportive destiny would bring positive results in your love and relationship. It may be a decisive year when it comes to your relationship status.

You may experience everything new in your love life. Over expectation may hurt, and your harsh words create harm in your love life. So, It advises you to control your opposing emotions. On some days you may see intimacy and enjoyment in your love life. Regarding your education, the year may prove supportive and would accomplish all your expectations. But, there is a condition: don't be lazy and focus on your studies only. Make the best use of every important thing that would enable your dreams to come true. People with second chances in exams may also hear good news. It is advised to not to miss any opportunities. Especially in the mid-year, it is suggested you to not be lazy and be punctual. Overall, the period appears good for you with many golden opportunities. Regarding your conjugal and domestic life, there is a need to work in finding out to improve the present state. Commitments towards your family and closed one may give you a smooth ride. Jupiter aspects would clear all your doubts and confusion.

Ready for the valuable lesson by your planets. The tendency towards seeking playfulness may create problems or distance between your loved one. Your health and fitness segments seem beneficial, but mood swings can create a glitch in your performance. Jupiter and Saturn transit put you in a healthy position. The mid-time is best for investing your energy in serious projects.

In the second half, you might feel happy with your outcomes. This is the best time to spend playing outdoor games and spend time with people.

As per the Vedic Astrological analysis, with the back of the Luck, the year would be happy and with minimum obstacles for natives. You would readily put an end to all the old issues and start refreshing. This may be the year where many of your planning would see a new light if timely executed. So fasten your seat belt for a much much better ride of 2021.Regarding the financial segment, you may witness a rise in your income. Income undertaken on the chance of success would be rewarding. Going for a long-term investment proves favourable. However, it is suggested to take expert advice before taking any risk. This may help optimize the gain.For romantic relationships, the year would be good. Singles may encounter someone special. The aspect of Jupiter on Libra would be rewarding. Libra in the house of romance for Gemini may prove auspicious.

Thus, the year is good for natives already in a relationship. The duo finally decides to settle down in a married relationship. Regarding your education, the year is favourable.

Students may feel highly enthusiastic and energetic to learn new subjects. Saturn in the house of Capricorn would insist you to learn a new practical course. Jupiter may improve your theoretical concept. So, overall, the period would be wonderful for the Gemini natives. On the health front, you may witness gradual subsiding of your ailment. You may find all your health problems slowly taking a back seat. Medication may help you recover most of the ailments at the earliest. One area you would need to be very particular is your diet. Just be careful of the following month of February, May and September 2021.

As much as your wealth is concerned, you are likely to see a better phase in amassing wealth. Gemini natives may plan to acquire property, commodity and even seek credit.

Thus, the asset base is likely to be much better this year. For marriage, the year would conclude well for native looking people. If you had any break in the past, the year would slowly enable you to forget the past and see the new light. Single people may also be able to find a good partner which would enable them to lead a beautiful good life.

Thanks to Jupiter in Aquarius as this year is a special year for Gemini people. This year might be supportive and reduce all the obstacles. You may put an end to the old issues and make a fresh start. This may be the period in which all your planning finds a way if executed promptly with focus. So, be ready for a much better ride in 2021.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

For Cancer native, the year might be slightly challenging because of Jupiter in Capricorn which is notorious for prompting challenges and difficulties. But Saturn is known for rewarding hard work, so all the natives may be able to get through this and change fortune for better. At the same time, Jupiter in Aquarius which is known for curbing impediment, may also not be able to put a complete pause to the obstacles. Thanks to the Jupiter transit in Leo which may be the reason you would see a continued rise in income in the initial year. You may see an improvement in the cash balance, that would enable your fortune to change. However, Saturn in Capricorn may double your expenditure. Also, you may see a spike in expenditure just because of the transition of Jupiter in Aquarius. so, it is advised to be a little careful and don't rush to the temptation. Considering the personal and romantic life, you may see some challenges due to misunderstanding and also may be the reason for fighting.

Saturn dwelling in the house of a partner and loving may cause misunderstanding and lead to fights and personal clash. You are advised not to be firm and harsh upon your point of view. As far as the academic area is concerned, the year may demand a lot of efforts. Expecting support of fortune may be futile. This year may be mediocre for skill-enhancing also. Yes, you may take up vocational learning as it would improve your working knowledge for the year to come. For career-oriented people, this period may be a year of effort and not for leisure. You may be putting double effort to enhance your value in the company which would be favourable to elevate your position. There is a warning for those who are looking for a business partner as Saturn aspecting in your singing may not let you progress. For healthrelated people, Saturn in your house may make you sluggish and affect your good night sleep. Tension may be a common fact to worry. However, Jupiter in Aquarius may contain serious ailment this year. For natives who are into accumulating wealth, it is suggested you use the money for an appropriate purpose. Married people may see some disturbance in their life. Thanks to Jupiter in Aquarius as it may enable some support of elders who would help in resolving a difference of opinion.

This may be the year when your opinion towards your decision would be strong. This may cause you to make radical decisions. Inflexibility and stubbornness may ask for your attention. You may experience a deep emotional attachment with your beloved. You may be in sync with your roots and families values. Those who love may appreciate your efforts, but there may be some who may envy your position and may want to tarnish your image. Just Be aware of the desire to learn as it may expand your horizon of knowledge. Regarding your communication, you would be effective. Your logical and analytical abilities will flourish. You are likely to join communities, forums and other social networks. If you have been ignoring something related to your career, then it is advised you to confront such issues.

This year you may witness an increase in a temptation to buy comforts. So, it is suggested to not make such mistakes. If you cross your limits, it may be difficult for you to tackle such pressure. Here, you need to follow a very clear path as there may be a tendency to make a quick decision which may lead to confusion. You may find yourself in trouble by different areas in your life which would require you to be on your toes. At times vitality may be below. You may feel irritated due to which others may end up bearing your anger. You may witness a noteworthy change in your thought process which is likely to realize your true self. But, at times you may become too pessimistic into your thinking, so it will be essential to be optimistic. There may be times when you feel like starting a new life. So it is suggested to don’t get carried away by your emotions. Just be little patience and keep faith. You may have to pass through some tough circumstances, but with your stretch, you may sail through it. You need to understand that there is no substitute for hard work and have to be positive. Long term plan and refrain form short term gain may help you build a bright future. If possible seek advice and keep good terms with friends. In the end, success will be there.

The period is good for the natives. You may experience a thrilling positive development in your life. Creativity and enthusiasm will flow in whatever you touch. You may see your life moving in the right direction, so it becomes necessary for you to know what you are into and what is expected out of it. Figuring out the value and responding to the opportunity promptly can be mandatory. It may prevent you from missing the boat. In the middle part of the year, new pressure may grasp your personality and resources. Just make sure you don’t lose your confidence while making a fresh move. You are likely to feel a new kind of pressure to create new ideas and witness a tremendous flow of creativity. You may also feel some unusual pressure to structure your life. You may gain a great depth of understanding and experience which would make you make some wise decisions. Perseverance and hard work may be your greatest tool this year to overcome failures. At times you may prefer an isolated place and think deeply about various issues of life. Redefining life’s goal may enable you to bring clarity into your life. Ending part of the year may make you a bit philanthropist. Interest may be the key to your success. Thanks to the creativity and barrage of ideas in you that may bring success. This year, the reorganisation of the external and internal world may be your prime priority. Most of the period of this year may be on your support, but there may come a phase when you can be drawn to some unknown fear. So, you need to make logic to understand the complexity of everything. You may experience some flaws in your thinking and decision, and only experience and analysis can enable you to refine every problem.

You are advised to use logic in the right direction and a constructive manner.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

According to Vedic Astrological outlook, for Libra native, the year would be auspicious. With the transit of Saturn and Jupiter, the duo may enjoy enhancement of benevolence. Saturn may bring stability in your life. As 4th being related to mother and domestic issues, you may witness happiness in your domestic life. It would be a wonderful year for most of the Libra natives.

The only area you may need to be careful about is your mother's health. Just make sure to provide timely medical help. In case of income-related matters, with the help of Jupiter in Aquarius and it's the direct impact upon your sign, you may see a hike in your income. You may even expect an increment in your present job and certificate of recognition. For natives into business, you may see a rise in your business income. You may look for alternative sources to boost income. Regarding your higher studies, the transit of Jupiter and Saturn may make it encouraging. It may be the year where your focus would be on hard work and even improve your learning skills. Taking part in creative competitions would prove beneficial. Just be aware of your overconfidence.At the career front, this year all your impediments and occasion success may come to an end. The aspect of support upon your career may make your hard work and aspect of Jupiter may give you steady progress. Hard work and Luck complement each other. You may see benevolence in the area of business and self-employment. A new assignment would give you recognition and even an opportunity to prove your credentials. In your health term, there is something that needs to be worried about. The support of Jupiter and Saturn, along with sign lord Venus will be quite supportive. Your health would be wonderful to help you improve your stamina and immunity. The month of February, March and April, would be practically good when these planets would be helpful to improve your strength. Matters related to amassing wealth, the period may be quite excellent to improve wealth. If you're planning to buy a second house or renovating it then the year is perfect for you. Investment in real estate may improve your equity participation but this may require little homework.For natives who are planning to get married, then the year is extremely auspicious. The decision of your family and close friends may be on your support and help you at an important moment.

From the initial year, Scorpian may experience a mixed response. The start might be courageous or even you can make a new resolution. Thanks to Jupiter in Capricorn and Jupiter in Aquarius which enable you to be courageous and remain firm on your decision. Thus, the year would be progressive and you may be determined to achieve success. In regard to Finance, the year may have some good opportunity to earn from new avenues.

Although, the earning would be moderate, but the source would be robust and long term. Outcome can be stable and steady. You may receive praise by your peers. Just be meticulous in your action and the year would be a wonderful journey. Regarding love and relationship, the year would be auspicious for those who are already in Relationship. Thanks to Jupiter and Saturn which may bring stability. You may be happy with your relationship and also experience a steady rise in social status. But for singles the year would not be that auspicious. Encountering a new partner is not on the card this year. But in the end year, you may see some light.

On the academic front, Saturn and Jupiter may enable you to learn and apply the knowledge practically. Therefore, the learning may be encouraging and rewarding in the coming days. Students planning to learn new skills, then the year is great. Career wise, the year has several opportunities to offer. New initiative may be rewarding and may find your career progressing in an advanced way. Bringing stability may be a need by exploring new avenues. Taking up an independent venture may be rewarding. Aspects of Jupiert may become you progressive. Saturn in Capricorn may teach you taking risks. On the health front, the year is good. Thanks to the placement of Saturn. You may enjoy good stamina and remain fit. This year you might be quite health conscious and take an adequate diet beneficial for your health.Regarding wealth, the year has plenty of opportunity to acquire wealth. You would be successful in all walks of life. The only advice is if trying to seek credit and loan, then take expert advice first. Regarding marriage, the year is quite wonderful for natives planning to marry. If already married, then would gain much happiness.

As per the Vedic Astrological Views, the year is likely to bring many surprises for all age groups. Prosperity, Success, and fortune are likely to manifest across the year. Even education and higher studies is likely to be impressive. As the year will progresse, you would experience the luck by your side. The initial month may be spent planning your activities. Energy level may be high and so is your enthusiasm. You would prefer to be meticulous and try to leave no stone unturned. The effect of good planning and execution can be seen for eight month in the first three month. This is also the period when you expand your social circle. The association with new friends turns out to be beneficial. Moreover, if natives are looking for someone special, then they may find one. Regarding your finance, your work may lead to an increase in income. Having Saturn in the 2nd house of income and family, you may witness the perfect balance of two. At the academic front, pursuing mass media and planning to pursue the same can find success by enrolling in a reputed institute. It would give you a recognition that you have been looking for. This is also the good year for pursuing a master programme. If writing these, then you may be appreciated for your findings. Business and professional related natives may experience excellence in a delayed fashion. In the initial three month, you may see reviews of your past work. This may involve brainstorming and even identifying new avenues to explore business. Just make sure, your business plan is perfect is perfect and flawless. Matters related to your health, the year may be more progressive. You may be conscious of your diet and fitness. Good sleep with reduced mental stress may make you more emotionally stable and fit. Wealth and property may see a rise in finance through various sectors. Income and expenditure may see an act of balancing a finance. The conjunction of both Jupiter and Saturn is ideal to help you take most of your time to analyse and verify its feasibility. Chances are high that you can easily convince the financial institution of your steady repayment track record to enjoy a good deal. In regard to Marriage, natives dating each other for a long time may tie a nuptial knot soon. This year you may witness many ups and downs and differences of opinion. The transit of Jupiter in Aquarius may reschedule your marriage. There are chances of silly arguments that may lead to temporary separation, only to get patched up later. The only advice is to put restrictions on ego clashes as much as possible.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

According to the Vedic Astrological outlook, the year is likely to be a year with heavy transit. This would make you introspect and induce you to make adjustments. In fact, the decision you would take, will decide the outcome of your action.

So, it is advised to think deep before taking any action. On the financial front, the Saturn would make you spend money, but on a calculative note. Saturn, being the lord of finance, and Jupiter brings the house of loss, the amalgamation of both make your work on a irrelevant and secondary project. Planning your investment and controlling your expenses may be the first step. If married, then you may guard your savings for future commitment. Regarding love and relationship, the upcoming year may improve the bonding between the two by subsiding past ego clashes. As Jupiter is out of friction, thus, you would be happy with your partner and enjoy some beautiful romantic moments. On the academic front, the year would be good for students pursuing higher studies. The combination of both Jupiter and Saturn may make you include subjects like finance, Language and Engineering. The transit of Venus would give the boost to creativity. You may even take one subject as your master and major in the same. This may help you in career decisions. Matter related to Career and Business, the year is good for career growth and for those who are stepping out of high school and university exams. Although, the first two quarters may be challenging, but the second half would be full of opportunity. A little patience may help. For employed, the year may be progress. Returning to hard work might be interesting, but you need to be serious. Matter regarding health, the duo of Jupier and Saturn may make your year stressful. Despite this, you may be quite conscious regarding your health and maintain a perfect diet for being healthy.

Jupiter in Aquarius may bring grace in your life. Regarding wealth, the year may be little slow, but steady to improve your position on wealth. For businessmen, the year is not likely for any investment. Thus, try avoiding long-term investment schemes.

On the Nuptial front, the year is going to be very good for those who decided to marry. Since starting, many new proposals may knock your door. The interesting part is that you may marry with the person whom you know for ages.

According to the Vedic Astrological outlook, the year is likely to give you more experience than usual. In the initial month, you may see a rise in tension due to Saturn being in a 12th house.

Weak position of Jupiter may add to the woes. Many of the planning may not be as per schedule. For some these events may be discouraging. As the year progresses, the events may be in your favour. The good part is that the transit of Jupiter is considered auspicious regarding finance ,marriage, wealth, romance, marriage, education, profession and even in expanding social circles. Thus, you may see an expansion in your life all above the matter. Regarding the financial front, the initial year may be stringent. Steady rise in expenditure may put you in a dizzy at times. There may be occasions when the expenditure may be more than flow of income and force you to rely on credit. Make sure such credit is only restricted on a short term. Gradually, from the middle of the year, you may expect a steady rise in income and the second half is better than half. In fact, the year is promising for those looking to invest in property. As much as romance and love is concerned, you may come across someone important. The emotional connection with the new person may sow the seed of romance and love. The love that was vacuum in your life may be filled by a special person. Soon you may also decide to settle down through marriage and emotional bonds turn out to be a legal bond. At the academic front, the transit of Jupiter may make all your planning regarding higher studies auspicious. Your deduction and efforts may pay off well. Students who are already planned with action can be successful. Dedication and hardwork is the core of every success.

With a good education fortune, the future is promising. Natives looking for new opportunis may get. Students may enjoy good campus placement opportunities by clearing all fundamental knowledge. Regarding health, natives need to be more careful. If You are particular to take a proper diet at an appropriate time during the day, then it might get disturbed due to an increase in appetite. So you have to be careful about your intake. This may provide some fitness.

For piscences, the year is likely to be mixed. At the starting of the year, the lord Jupiter is well placed on 11th house, albeit in a weakening position. Both Saturn and Jupiter are likely to bring steady growth. Fulfillment of desire may make you confident.

On the financial front, the house of gain is robust due to which you may witness a rise in income and tapering of flow of money.

Some money you may save for hay day which would give you some relief to deal with the future. At the end of April, the flow of money may stabilize. The only advice is just guard yourself from the money spike. In fact, taking part in social gatherings may be beneficial. New friends and associations may forge between January and April. Taking a cue from such an association may help in planning monetary and financial matters very well. Your new investment may give better returns and gains. However, a contrast producing investment may help stabilize your return. The time after May, there may be a need to relook at your investment portfolio and avenues of income flow. On the academic front, the support of Jupiter may be encouraging till mid April. So, it is advised to take the benefit of luck if preparing for any exam. Thereafter, the students are advised to plan their academic journey for better performance and success. Regarding business and professional front, the journey would be a roller coaster ride. Gains may be steady at the initial year, and returns would be flat and steady in the mid year. New assignet may hardly come, so it is advised to double your effort. Working abroad may become possible in the second half. Regarding health, you need to be a little careful this year.

Due to the weakening position of Jupter in Capricorn, you may experience immunity related problems. Lack of sleep may add woes and reduction in stamina. So, some precaution is needed in this. As health, wealth is also important. In the initial year, you may see a spike in income. You are advised to channelize it into saving. This will improve your bank balance. Towards the middle, you may succumb to taking credit at the very high rate, which can disturb the money flow. On the marriage front, you are advised to be a little cautious. For dating couples, you are advised to refrain from personality clashes. For marriage, the second half is better than first. For married people, you are also advised the same.

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

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Angela del Pan: Retention key to growth of women’s rugby in Spain The World Rugby Women’s Executive Leadership Scholarship recipient and former Spain international discusses her hopes for the future of the game in the Iberian country.

Angela del Pan has witnessed first-hand the increase in numbers of women participating in rugby in Spain, and she has a plan to ensure that encouraging growth continues.

When Del Pan first picked up a rugby ball, at the turn of the century, there were around 900 registered female players in the Iberian country. In the next decade and a half that number swelled to 2,600.

Following the appearance of Del Pan and her teammates at the Olympic Games 2016 in Rio, however, participation levels doubled, and the Spanish Rugby Federation’s (FER) ‘Mujeres en Rugby’ (‘Women in Rugby’) programme targeted an increase to around 6,000 registered players by the end of 2020.

Del Pan retired from playing following Rugby World Cup 2017. Having earned a Master’s degree in sports management while working as the team manager for the women’s sevens and 15s national squads, she was appointed High Performance Operations Manager at the

FER at the end of 2019.

The former back-row was also awarded a World Rugby Women’s Executive Leadership Scholarship in March. And, although the past year has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, she was keen to use those opportunities to encourage more Spanish players to remain in rugby once they hang up their boots.

“I've been looking at the research for my scholarship colleagues and they have done amazing work focusing on development and representation, and empowering women's rugby and coaching, which I think is the key to make this sport grow,” Del Pan told World

Rugby.

“I think mostly we take care of the players when they're playing and then we have to take care of them to put them again in the ‘rugby wheel’ because normally they retire and then they find a job and they just disappear.

“So, I thought, if we have the best people in rugby working in our country to grow our rugby, in the end we will have really good rugby.

You're going to improve this sport.”

LEARNING AND IMPROVING As High Performance Operations Manager, Del Pan is in daily contact with Spain’s best players and

believes she and her team are “responsible for the wellbeing of the [national] teams”.

Part of that role extends to helping with the transition once the time to retire comes.

Her enrolment on the Women’s Executive Leadership Scholarship has also proved beneficial, despite the pandemic, as she attempts to enhance her management skills for the benefit of the FER. Plans to travel to the USA to experience the “number one country in sports high performance” had to be shelved, but she has instead used the time to return to the classroom and is looking at options for alternative study tours in the future.

No medals if Coke Games scheduled later Athletics Fiji is worried that participants in the 2021 Coca Cola Games won’t receive medals if the event is delayed any further.

Organizers have over the years ordered medals from overseas and the hold-up from the Education Ministry means there may not be enough time to place the order.

The decision on whether the 2021 Coke Coca Games will proceed lies with the Education Ministry.

Federation President Vuli Waqa says having the

games back can bring a bit of normalcy to students.

'A terribly challenging time': Stack released from jail RICHMOND'S Sydney Stack has been granted bail and released from jail after spending weeks behind bars for allegedly breaching WA's coronavirus quarantine restrictions.

Stack was jailed on December 19 and spent Christmas in Perth's Hakea prison before being released on Friday.

He will appear in court again on January 20.

His manager, Paul Peos, said Stack needed to focus on recovering from his ordeal

in the coming weeks, and thanked the Tiger rookie's supporters.

"We are very relieved and

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

pleased to have Syd released on bail today and grateful that the Supreme Court agreed with our position on the matter," Peos said in a statement.

"We have been overwhelmed with messages and offers of support from all around Australia for Sydney and must also say a public thankyou for the ongoing support of the Richmond Football Club in terms of his welfare.

"It has been a terribly challenging time for Sydney

“I really don’t know when we will get our reply at the moment I am getting a bit worried because of the logistics. Our medals are normally brought from overseas and any further delay would probably mean that if we do have the Coca-Cola games for 2021, there won’t be any medal presented.”

In the meantime, Athletics Fiji will continue with its weekly competition at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

and our focus is on his near and longer term wellbeing. He has a significant period of physical, mental and spiritual healing and rehabilitation in front of him and we request some privacy as he works through these immediate challenges."

Stack was charged in midDecember with failing to comply with a direction after allegedly being found out on the town in Northbridge during his compulsory selfisolation period, having entered WA from Victoria on a flight that stopped over in South Australia.

WA's border with SA remains closed after a recent coronavirus scare.

“I expect to learn the tools that allow me to improve any project by leading,” she said.

“Not only in my professional life, [but] in my general life. Because I think this scholarship makes you learn and improve your leadership in a way that is going to make you enjoy every part of the job or anything you do.”

Del Pan has certainly gained a lifetime of enjoyment from the game since she followed her sister down to their local rugby club as a 13-year-old.

“I just found rugby [to be] amazing,” she said.

“It was like a family, and when you're a kid… it's really nice to have these people supporting you every day. Not only just training, I mean, they take care of you in your normal life.

“I don't know how to describe it, I always say rugby is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle.”

‘UNLOCKING A WHOLE NEW LIFE’ It was as she progressed from her club side to regional representation and ultimately the Spanish national team that Del Pan realised, “Well, maybe I'm not that bad, I can do something here”.

“It felt like unlocking a whole new life,” she said

when asked to describe the feeling of playing for Spain for the first time.

“To be honest, I was so scared. I met fear and disappointment for the first time in my life that I can recall. I was just 18 years old, I mean, I was a baby.

“But, I felt so happy and so proud of wearing the jersey with my girls. And, it made like a click in me, [to say]: ‘Damn, I want this forever’.”

She would go on to represent her country at two Rugby World Cups and as many Rugby World Cup Sevens, as well as on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, but her proudest achievement remains booking Spain’s ticket to Rio. “We got the last ticket to Rio in Dublin. We were playing in the last qualifier of the last qualifier to get that ticket,” Del Pan explained.

“I was so happy there and so proud of my team, because we made it. I mean, we worked so hard for it. It was a dream come true because since I started playing rugby, this is what I wanted, to be with my team there.”

Del Pan says she was honoured to “represent every single Spanish rugby girl in the biggest sporting event in the world” five years ago. That is a community that will only grow in future if the 35-yearold has anything to do with it.

'Consummate' Van Egmond in West Ham deal

Australian international Emily van Egmond has been hailed as the "consummate professional" after signing a permanent contract with Women's Super League side West Ham United.

Van Egmond, one of the outstanding midfielders in the English top-flight league this season, says she is delighted to have found stability in a turbulent soccer world after securing the deal following her initial loan move from American team Orlando Pride in August.

The 27-year-old from Newcastle has been one of the stand-out imports in the league this season while on loan for the Hammers, scoring five goals in 12 appearances in all competitions over the first half of the season.

Now looking forward to completing her first campaign in English football while

also dreaming of a Matildas reunion with the Olympics in sight, the 97-times capped van Egmond told West Ham TV: "It's great to stay here.

"I'm really enjoying my football here at West Ham too, and I'm excited to be working with the new manager."

That manager is New Zealand-born Olli Harder, who met van Egmond for the first time this week as he took the reins.

"Emily is a top athlete, a consummate professional, and a footballer who has already proven her ability during her first few months on loan," said Harder.

"Although I have only met her in person this week, Emily exemplifies many of the values I am trying to instil in the club and with her talent and drive to succeed I am looking forward to working with her even more."

Saurabh says - Enjoy Cricket, train hard and chase your dreams

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cricketers wanting to better their skills as well. It’s just your child and the Saurabh honing away at their skills trying to create the best cricketer that they can be, and that’s all that matters, being PERSONAL best.

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INCREDIBLE INDIA: Third Test drawn after tourists’ remarkable fifth day defence A two-year wait for day five Test cricket on these shores ended on Monday when India salvaged a remarkable draw in the third Test to set up a winner-takesall series finale at the Gabba this weekend.

In a titanic struggle befitting of the rare occasion, Australia went from likely winners of the third Test, to potential victims of one of the greatest Test run chases of all-time, to settling for a draw at the SCG, leaving the Border-Gavaskar series tied 1-1.

Australia looked certain to win at the start of Monday but India defied all odds by batting for 131 overs to reach stumps on 5-334, 73 runs short of the win.

India has many players to thank for the result; from Rishabh Pant, who swallowed a painkiller for his injured arm before making 97, to Cheteshwar Pujara and his 205-ball stand for 77 runs.

Most of all, however, India will be thanking Hanuma Vihari, whose 23 runs formed the defining innings of the series so far.

With the series tied heading to Sydney, India simply couldn’t afford to lose knowing the final Test would be at the Gabba where Australia hasn’t lost since 1988.

When Nathan Lyon had captain Ajinkya Rahane Call: (07) 3192 5188

caught at bat-pad in just the second over of day five, it looked like India would be powerless to avoid defeat, let alone pull off the secondgreatest Test run chase ever on Australian soil.

But across the next 43 overs, Pant and Pujara combined for a 148-run partnership across nearly 44 overs to take India to 3-250.

That made the equation just 157 more runs required across half a day’s play but Pant, one boundary short of his third Test century, charged down the wicket to Lyon and sliced the ball to gully for the breakthrough Australian wicket.

That placed the pressure to score on Pujara who also succumbed when Josh Hazlewood stepped up with

the new ball, delivering a stunning delivery that straightened and clipped his off-stump to all but end India’s hopes of a shock win.

By this point, Vihari had injured his hamstring and was incapable of mustering anything more than a jog inbetween wickets.

But despite the major impairment and the losses of India’s best batsmen, he pressed on to deliver with Ravichandran Ashwin one of the most memorable rescue acts seen on these shores.

He faced 161 balls for just 23 runs, refusing to budge when the easier thing would have been to call it a day.

Equally as defiant was Ashwin who defended stoutly for 128 balls to make 39 runs in a partnership that lasted

almost 43 overs.

Even so, the threat of Australia running away with the match late was everpresent with several strong appeals by Lyon for lbw turned away.

Starc found the breakthrough Australia so desperately needed with less than 10 overs remaining when he finally found Vihari’s outside edge.

The chance flew towards first slip but Tim Paine dived to his right and dropped the one-handed catch to cap off a forgettable match for the Australian captain, who was earlier fined for an audible obscenity directed towards the umpire.

From there, the writing was on the wall for Australia.

India would draw the Test and

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keep its hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy well and truly alive.

Monday’s thrilling finish was the first time since 2012 a Test entered its final hour on Australian shores, and the first day five of Test cricket in Australia altogether since January 2019.

The prevailing theme from the day’s play is undeniably one of India’s remarkable resilience.

India twice made claims of racial abuse from the SCG crowd during the match, while play stopped for 10 minutes on day four as police intervened.

Players were visibly distressed during the match, namely Mohammed Siraj who was at the centre of both disturbing claims.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja, Vihari and Pant were all forced to play through injuries for India, which was already dangerously

undermanned without Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav, to just name a few.

Despite the trying circumstances, both on the field and off it, India fronted up on Monday and gave its fans a result to savour for generations.

TEAMS Australia XI: David Warner, Will Pucovski, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (c, wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood India XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (Wriddhiman Saha *injury replacement), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 45

Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club

awards ceremony

Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club a prestigious club in the Metro South West region of Brisbane, has grown from strength to strength since its inception 13 years ago, and is also a pioneer in exemplifying exceptional commitment towards community development and support.

During the dark year of Covid-19, when people were still battling with the mental health issues, Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club committee came forward as a lone wolf in the whole region, and followed their vision of commitment and dedication towards taking

the community forward and helping the kids and parents to stay on course with their sporting activities.

For the first time, BSK Cricket Club, conducted trials for Cricket with over 100 kids turning up. With 8 Junior Teams under their umbrella, including girls junior team, and involving kids from all different background, not to mention that players also included native Australian’s who were also glad at the initiative.

Delegates from Queensland Cricket, were really impressed by the club’s initiative and provided full support in taking the club

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021

forward. The club also got massive support from Local Government representative, Cr. Angela Owen, who herself is big fan of cricket and takes pride in helping the community. Without the help and support of Cr. Angela Owen it would not have been possible for the club to reach these heights. During the recent awards ceremony held on 13th December 2020, the club also graciously received the recognition from Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, which was represented by the Senator Paul Scarr who is not only a great supporter of Cricket, but all the club’s in Queensland.

The BSK Cricket club, also organises a T20 cup every year which involves more than 32 teams from Brisbane from all different communities, and this year was no different, in-spite of Covid-19, the club made sure that all the safety norms were taken into consideration, and that everyone was insured and was covered.

The club went ahead with the tournament as scheduled, and executed the 12 week long tournament with great valour and grace. Even though we did have a lot of opposition and obstacles, but no opposition was big enough to stop the club from

carrying out its vision. The cup has been supported by Brisbane City Council for the last 8 years especially Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner.

The club has been greatly supported by all the sections of the government, the Queensland Cricket, Cricket Australia and others. The Award’s ceremony on 13th December 2020 showcased the extensive reach the club has, and how beautiful the club’s event was executed fully supported by Cr. Angela Owen, as she came to help the club carry out the event in the indoor venue.

Brisbane Super King’s

Cricket Club is a great example for the all the club’s working towards the betterment of the society, specifically for those sections of the society who are new immigrants looking for support and help. Club’s like Brisbane Super King Cricket Club can go in a long way in creating a better community and a country as a whole. As per Senator Paul Scarr words, this club is a brain child of Sathish Rajendran and it is because of his untiring effort along with the BSK executive committee that we see this club reaching these heights.

BSK Secretary Mandeep Singh Lamba

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021 — 47

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2021